Things are quite on MQM front, despite the vicious attacks by Zulfiqar Mirza, apart from a token Press Conference presented by a slightly lower ranking leader, not much is coming out of the MQM camp as way of explanations. For almost a month now all their major leaders are keeping a very low profile, and have not appeared in the daily talk shows, where they used to be a regular feature. So why is this change in practices and attitudes?
We know there are rumours that two major events may have taken places recently:
Arrest of some MQM activists in connection of Dr. Imran Farooq murder case. Despite the denials from MQM too many of mainstream Pakistani journalists and organisations have reported the capture of two at the airport on their return from Sri Lanka, and a further activists after the investigations of two suspects.
The mysterious sickness of Altaf Hussain as per MQM official line. Though at the moment this is the official version. The rumours of Altaf Hussain stopped from travelling to South Africa and place under an order or advice not to leave his resident without permission or informing the authorities, had been denied by MQM and also by the High Commissioner of Britain. This news is obviously cannot be confirmed at the moment.
Whatever the reasons, if Altaf has been put under restrictions or not one thing is certain, he would never be same again. Before the supporters of MQM agitate, let me explain why I have formed my opinion.
Whatever happens in the case from now on, Altaf Hussain is history. He wouldn't ever be the same again, and wouldn't be able to issue any Public orders from the UK which could cause death and destruction in Karachi. If he does, the British with Pakistani backgrounds in the UK would report him; they may decide to register a case against him in a Police Station under Prevention of Terrorism Act 2005. Under the ACT an order can be placed on AH and MQM.
Power to make control orders
(1)In this Act control order means an order against an individual that imposes obligations on him for purposes connected with protecting members of the public from a [COLOR=#0000FF !important]risk of[/COLOR]terrorism.
Section (4) Those obligations may include, in particular
(d) a restriction on his association or communications with specified persons or with other persons generally;
(e) a restriction in respect of his place of residence or on the persons to whom he gives access to his place of residence;