Senior Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) leader and Federal Minister Mustafa Kamal on Sunday accused MQM founder Altaf Hussain of ordering the killing of senior party leader Dr Imran Farooq, calling the murder a dark chapter that continues to shadow MQM politics.
Speaking at a press conference in Karachi, Kamal alleged that Altaf Hussain gave the order for Dr Farooq’s killing while intoxicated and that the murder was carried out on his direct instructions. He said the case reflects a long history of violence and manipulation that harmed both the party and the city of Karachi.
Dr Imran Farooq was among the founding members of the MQM when it emerged as a student movement. Widely respected as the party’s ideological mind, he helped design its constitution, discipline, and organisational structure. His influence shaped MQM’s rise in urban Sindh, particularly Karachi.
Dr Farooq was murdered on September 16, 2010, outside his home in London after returning from work. British police said two attackers assaulted him with a brick and knives, killing him on the spot. The killing drew international attention and triggered a lengthy investigation by Scotland Yard.
He had moved to London in 1999 following a security forces operation against the MQM over allegations of militant activities. Despite convictions in later years, questions about the role of senior leadership have continued to surface in political debates.
At the press conference, Kamal used harsh language for the MQM founder, describing him as a man who “thrives on drama over dead bodies” and sees himself as an unquestioned ruler. He alleged that Hussain staged emotional scenes after the killing and sought millions of pounds in donations under the pretext of sending the body to Pakistan.
Kamal further claimed that Dr Farooq was killed as a “birthday gift” for the MQM founder and that fundraising appeals were made alongside the murder. He also accused Hussain of relying on foreign funding, destroying generations of party workers, and continuing to damage lives from abroad.
Referring to Dr Farooq’s family, Kamal said he remained in contact with the late leader’s widow and children, who were placed under Scotland Yard protection after the murder. He urged Dr Farooq’s children not to engage with the MQM founder.
Dr Farooq’s widow, Shumaila Farooq, passed away in London on December 19 this year after a battle with throat cancer, according to reports.
Convictions and legal outcome
In 2020, an anti-terrorism court in Islamabad convicted three MQM members Khalid Shamim, Mohsin Ali, and Moazzam Ali for Dr Imran Farooq’s murder. They were sentenced to life imprisonment and fined Rs1 million each, to be paid to the victim’s family.
British authorities shared evidence with Pakistan after receiving assurances that the accused would not face the death penalty. The court also ordered the seizure of properties belonging to four other suspects who are still absconding.
Investigators later said suspects identified as Syed and Kamran had links to the MQM, reinforcing the view that the killing was politically motivated.
Dr Imran Farooq’s death proved to be a turning point for the MQM. Once a dominant force in Karachi’s politics, the party later fractured into multiple factions amid leadership struggles, legal troubles, and internal divisions a legacy that continues to shape its present and future.
