Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Member of National Assembly Amir Liaquat stated during a rally in Karachi that if there could be talks with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, then there could be talks with founder of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Altaf Hussain.
A video circulating on social media showed the PTI lawmaker making these remarks. In the video, MQM-Pakistan leader Dr. Farooq sattar can also be seen standing next to the PTI representative.
The ruling party’s lawmaker gave this statement after the government offered talks to TTP, which failed to achieve any success.
Amir Liaquat also made a video later and posted it on his Twitter account, saying that talks were being held with everyone, so they [government] should also talk with Altaf Hussain.
Social media users were divided on this statement. Some of them appreciated the effort, while others opposed it.
Journalist Murtaza Ali Shah shared the video on Twiiter with the hashtag ‘MuhajirCultureDay2021’.
Moreover, activist Junaid Raza stated, “Shame on everyone who keeps hiring him, shame on everyone who keeps cheering him on, shame on everyone in the audience who clapped.”
In 2015, Altaf Hussain was declared a fugitive on the charges of treason, incitement of violence, and hate speeches and was sentenced to 81 years in prison by the Anti-Terrorism Court.
