Kamal claims killing ‘gift’ on Altaf’s birthday, Azizabadi says Kamal only speaks when ‘his masters pull strings’
KARACHI:
Following the death of Shumaila Imran, widow of slain Muttahida Qaumi Movement leader Dr Imran Farooq, rival party 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 party’s former 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 killing of Dr Imran Farooq. Kamal described his former political boss — the MQM founder — as “a theatrical man” who performed “item songs over corpses” 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 killing. He alleged that the MQM founder relied on foreign funding, destroyed generations, and continued to harm people, urging Dr Farooq’s children not to engage with him.
Kamal also stated that he had remained in contact with Dr Farooq’s widow and children, who were placed under Scotland Yard’s protection following the murder.
Responding sharply to the allegations, MQM-London Rabita Committee Convener Mustafa Azizabadi termed Kamal’s press conference an extremely shameful attempt to drag Dr Imran Farooq’s family into what he described as filthy politics.
He demanded concrete evidence of Altaf Hussain’s involvement in the murder, asserting that if Mustafa Kamal was truthful, he should present proof of his claims. Azizabadi also said Kamal should feel ashamed if he failed to furnish evidence supporting his allegations. However, he also held Kamal responsible for Dr Imran Farooq’s murder.
Azizabadi further revealed that the Bahadurabad group within MQM-P was displeased with Kamal due to what he described as his erratic behaviour, claiming 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 chief of another MQM faction, 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. “On whose instructions were you obliged to use such harsh words against your former spiritual father, Altaf Hussain?” Afaq asked. He further remarked, “Alas, the nation knows what your role was in it. Where were you on the day of Dr Imran Farooq’s murder?”
Interestingly, Mustafa Kamal suddenly arrived at Bahadurabad along with his associates on Sunday after a lull of several months, but no leader or worker of MQM-Pakistan welcomed him. MQM sources said the party leadership had prior knowledge of the press conference by the Mustafa Kamal group but deliberately avoided meeting them.
Read More: Mustafa Kamal accuses Altaf Hussain of ordering Imran Farooq killing
Dr Imran Farooq and his wife both breathed their last in London
Dr Imran Farooq’s wife, Shumaila Farooq, died in London on December 19. Her body was brought to Karachi for burial. She reportedly suffered from throat cancer.
Shumaila’s spouse Dr Imran Farooq was among the founding members of the MQM when it began as a student movement. He was widely regarded as the party’s ideological architect and played a key role in shaping its constitution, discipline and organisational structure.
He was murdered on September 16, 2010, in London. Police said he was attacked outside his home after returning from work. Two men assaulted him using a brick and knives, killing him on the spot.
Dr Farooq had moved to London in 1999 after a security forces operation against the MQM over allegations of involvement in terrorist activities.
The killing drew international attention and led to a lengthy investigation by Scotland Yard. While several MQM members were later convicted, allegations about the involvement of senior party leadership have persisted.
Trial and convictions
In 2020, an anti-terrorism court in Islamabad convicted three Pakistani nationals for Dr Imran Farooq’s murder. Khalid Shamim, Mohsin Ali and Moazzam Ali, all MQM members, were sentenced to life imprisonment. Each was also fined Rs1 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 property belonging to four other suspects who remain absconders. Later investigations found that suspects identified as Syed and Kamran had links to the MQM. Investigators said this strengthened the view that the killing was politically motivated.
Dr Farooq’s death marked a turning point for the MQM. The party, which once dominated Karachi’s politics for decades, later splintered into multiple factions amid leadership disputes and internal divisions.
