Kamal claims killing is a ‘gift’ on Altaf’s birthday, Azizabadi says Kamal only speaks when ‘his masters pull the strings’
KARACHI:
Following the death of Shumaila Imran, widow of slain Muttahida Qaumi Movement leader Dr Imran Farooq, the party’s rival factions (MQM-London and MQM-Pakistan) have been locked in a bitter blame game, with both sides accusing each other of orchestrating the murder of the former party stalwart.
The war of words began on Sunday when, during a press conference in Karachi, MQM-P leader Mustafa Kamal alleged that Altaf Hussain had ordered the murder of Dr Imran Farooq. Kamal described his former political boss, the founder of the MQM, as “a theatrical man” who performed “songs about dead bodies” and considered himself a ruler.
Kamal further claimed that Dr Imran Farooq was killed as a “gift” on the MQM founder’s birthday, adding that an appeal for donations was also made in connection with the murder. He alleged that the MQM founder was dependent on foreign funding, destroyed generations and continued to harm people, and urged Dr Farooq’s children not to associate with him.
Kamal also claimed that he had remained in contact with Dr Farooq’s widow and children, who were placed under the protection of Scotland Yard following the murder.
Responding sharply to the allegations, MQM-London Rabita Committee convenor Mustafa Azizabadi termed Kamal’s press conference as an extremely disgraceful attempt to drag Dr Imran Farooq’s family into what he described as dirty politics.
He demanded concrete proof of Altaf Hussain’s involvement in the murder and stated that if Mustafa Kamal was telling the truth, he should present proof of his claims. Azizabadi also said Kamal should feel ashamed if he did not present evidence to support his allegations. However, he also held Kamal responsible for the murder of Dr Imran Farooq.
Azizabadi further revealed that the Bahadurabad group within the MQM-P was displeased with Kamal due to what he described as his erratic behaviour, stating that Kamal only spoke when “his masters pull the strings”. “Mustafa Kamal is working on an agenda to bury the words MQM and Mohajir,” Azizabadi alleged.
Later, the head of another faction of the MQM, Afaq Ahmed, also joined the controversy, lashing out at Mustafa Kamal and questioning the motive behind what he called a sudden and surprise press conference. “Under whose instructions did I force you to use such harsh words against your former spiritual father, Altaf Hussain?” -Afaq asked. He further commented, “Unfortunately, the nation knows what your role was in this. Where were you on the day of Dr. Imran Farooq’s murder?”
Interestingly, Mustafa Kamal suddenly arrived in Bahadurabad along with his associates on Sunday after a gap of several months, but no MQM-Pakistan leader or worker welcomed him. MQM sources said the party leadership had prior knowledge of the Mustafa Kamal group’s press conference but deliberately avoided meeting them.
Read more: Mustafa Kamal accuses Altaf Hussain of ordering Imran Farooq’s murder
Dr Imran Farooq and his wife breathed their last in London
Dr Imran Farooq’s wife Shumaila Farooq died in London on December 19. His body was taken to Karachi for burial. He reportedly suffered from throat cancer.
Shumaila’s wife, Dr Imran Farooq, was among the founding members of the MQM when it began as a student movement. He was widely regarded as the ideological architect of the party and played a key role in shaping its constitution, discipline and organizational structure.
He was murdered on September 16, 2010 in London. Police said he was attacked outside his home after returning from work. Two men attacked him with a brick and knives, killing him instantly.
Dr Farooq had moved to London in 1999 following a security forces operation against the MQM over allegations of involvement in terrorist activities.
The murder attracted international attention and led to a lengthy investigation by Scotland Yard. While several MQM members were subsequently convicted, allegations of the involvement of senior party leaders have persisted.
Trial and sentences
In 2020, an anti-terrorism court in Islamabad convicted three Pakistani nationals for the murder of Dr. Imran Farooq. Khalid Shamim, Mohsin Ali and Moazzam Ali, all members of the MQM, were sentenced to life imprisonment. Each was also fined Rs 1 million, payable to Dr Farooq’s family.
British police shared evidence with Pakistani authorities after receiving assurances that the accused would not face the death penalty.
The court also ordered the seizure of assets belonging to four other suspects who remain at large. Further investigation found that the suspects identified as Syed and Kamran had links with the MQM. Investigators said this strengthened the view that the murder was politically motivated.
Dr Farooq’s death marked a turning point for the MQM. The party, which once dominated Karachi politics for decades, later split into multiple factions amid leadership disputes and internal divisions.
