Legal reference being prepared against Altaf: Nisar

Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan has said a legal reference is being prepared against MQM chief for his provocative statements against state institutions.

Talking to the media persons in Islamabad on Tuesday, he said the reference to be sent to the British government will envisage the element of criminality, and its contents will be shared with the media. To a question, the interior minister assured that any negativity on Pakistan's security interests and dignity of its institutions will not be tolerated whether it comes from Altaf Hussain or others.

"The frequent worsening of the situation (in Karachi) is not because of the government's performance, nor that of the Rangers or army; it is because of Altaf Hussain's loose talk," the minister said.

He said both Pakistan and the United Kingdom are cooperating in Imran Farooq murder and money laundering cases. He said the government has no enmity with Altaf Hussain and MQM as the cases against Altaf were registered in London. The cases are not political but judicial and assured that requirements of justice will be fulfilled in any case.

Meanwhile, Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan also held a meeting with British High Commissioner Phillip to Barton to discuss the issue of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM)'s top leadership, which is at loggerheads with the government over an operation in Karachi and the party chief's consequent controversial statements.

The interior minister shared detailed proof of MQM chief Altaf Hussain's speech against the State's institutions with the top UK diplomat in Islamabad, an official privy to proceedings of the meeting Earlier addressing a ceremony at Rawalpindi police lines, the Interior Minister said noose has been tightened around the terrorists. He said overall situation has improved a lot in the last two years, but the war on terror has yet not completed. He said this war has entered a decisive phase in which police has to play an important role.

Lauding the sacrifices of police personnel in the war on terror, the Interior Ministry said the entire nation salutes the sacrifices of police for fighting the menace beyond their capacity and resources. He said the police should act like rock wall against the terrorists and play their role to make Pakistan a cradle of peace. He said the police personnel are the protectors of Pakistan and they should adopt unconventional policing methods to cope with the challenges.