MQM chief freed of terrorism charge

ISLAMABAD, February 7: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Husain and 18 others have been acquitted of terrorism charges by the Sindh high court, media reports today said.

An anti-terrorist court in 1994 had convicted them on charges of kidnapping a Pakistan army officer in 1991 and torturing him and sentenced to imprisonment ranging from 27 to 30 years. The Sindh high court division bench comprising Justice Nazim Hussain Siddiqui and Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar in its judgement yesterday also directed the authorities to release three persons Ashfaq chief Haji Jalal and Jawed Kazmi who are in jail if, they are not wanted in any other cases. Altaf is in exile in London.

Besides Altaf others acquitted included former secretary general of MQM Imran Farooq, former central leader Saleem Shahzaÿand former Sindh minister Safdar Baqri.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday had held a two-hour long talk with Altaf in London and had asked him to return, assuring him security and serious consideration ofpending cases against him.The Prime Minister after the talks had expressed hope that Altaf would return to Pakistan very soon. However, he did not give any further details about the MQMÿchief’s plans.