Mustafa Kamal, the leader of Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) and Federal Minister for Health, has publicly accused MQM’s founder Altaf Hussain of orchestrating the murder of senior party leader Dr. Imran Farooq. Speaking at a press conference in Karachi, Mustafa Kamal claimed that Altaf Hussain not only ordered the killing but also received financial support from India’s intelligence agency RAW for over 25 years. The minister’s statements marked a dramatic escalation in allegations against the MQM founder, accusing him of betraying the party and its core leadership.
According to Mustafa Kamal, Altaf Hussain, often under the influence of alcohol, deliberately planned the murder of Imran Farooq, a dedicated leader who had served the party faithfully for four decades. Kamal alleged that the killing was timed on Farooq’s birthday, suggesting that Hussain considered it a personal celebration disguised as a sinister act. He emphasized that Farooq’s death on September 16, 2010, in London, near his residence, was not only a loss for his family but a deliberate attempt to consolidate power within MQM.
Kamal also strongly criticized Altaf Hussain for his behavior towards Dr. Farooq’s family following the murder. He said the MQM founder created unnecessary drama over Farooq’s wife and showed complete disregard for the grief of the family. Mustafa Kamal described Hussain as a manipulative and theatrical personality, highlighting that such behavior exposed his self-serving motives and lack of genuine concern for the party or its members.
Dr. Imran Farooq’s murder case had gone through the legal system for five years. In 2015, the Anti-Terrorism Court sentenced three individuals—Khalid Shamim, Mohsin Ali, and Moazzam Ali—to life imprisonment and imposed fines of millions of rupees on them. Despite these convictions, Mustafa Kamal argued that the real mastermind behind the crime remained Altaf Hussain, whose involvement was never fully addressed in court. Kamal alleged that Hussain used his influence to evade accountability while remaining central to MQM’s internal decision-making.
Further, Mustafa Kamal disclosed that after the recent death of Dr. Imran Farooq’s wife, Altaf Hussain once again created controversy over her funeral arrangements. Kamal alleged that Hussain raised funds from around the world to bring the body to Pakistan, exaggerating his involvement for public attention. Mustafa Kamal also highlighted the inconsistency of Hussain’s claims, stating that despite collecting large sums, he did not provide basic financial support for Farooq’s family. According to Kamal, money amounting to hundreds of thousands of pounds was found in Hussain’s offices and personal belongings, yet nothing was available to assist Farooq’s grieving widow.
Mustafa Kamal urged Altaf Hussain to allow the reopening of the murder case to identify the real perpetrators. He offered to personally support the legal process financially, challenging Hussain to prove his innocence and stand accountable. Kamal further criticized Hussain for considering himself above the law, calling him “Raja Andar” (self-appointed king), and accused him of repeatedly harming the Muhajir community over the past four decades. Mustafa Kamal condemned Hussain’s political and personal conduct, arguing that he had exploited both the party and the community for personal gain.
Kamal recalled that he was present at the time of Dr. Imran Farooq’s funeral on behalf of MQM. He said that Altaf Hussain’s involvement was limited to taking photographs during the prayer, and he even allowed cameras in the mosque despite restrictions, highlighting his focus on appearances rather than genuine concern. Mustafa Kamal described Hussain as the greatest betrayer of the Muhajir community and blamed him for the city’s destruction, vowing to restore it with determination and public support.
In addition, Mustafa Kamal addressed Hussain’s historical lack of commitment to constitutional reforms. He claimed that while millions of people could gather at Hussain’s call, he never used such opportunities to pursue legislative or democratic objectives. Kamal stated that Hussain’s inaction deprived the nation of progress while he prioritized personal power and theatrics.
Kamal also mentioned that Scotland Yard had information regarding the individuals responsible for Dr. Imran Farooq’s murder, which is why the children were kept hidden for 15 days to ensure their safety. He urged Farooq’s children to stay cautious in London, pursue the case legally, and not let fear or silence be mistaken for weakness. Mustafa Kamal emphasized that Hussain’s silence should not be misinterpreted as humility but recognized as manipulation.
Throughout his press conference, Mustafa Kamal painted Altaf Hussain as a self-serving, manipulative, and untrustworthy figure whose actions have repeatedly harmed the MQM party and the Muhajir community. He claimed that Hussain prioritized his own interests over the welfare of the people and attempted to maintain power by creating fear and confusion. Kamal asserted that Hussain’s schemes had long-term consequences for both the party and the community it claims to represent.
The minister also issued a public challenge, inviting Altaf Hussain to engage in dialogue and confront the allegations directly. Mustafa Kamal expressed confidence in the truth prevailing and stated that he would continue to expose the founder’s manipulations and betrayals. He emphasized that the MQM’s leadership and the Muhajir community deserved transparency, accountability, and justice for the crimes committed, particularly the murder of Dr. Imran Farooq.
Mustafa Kamal’s statements highlighted both the historical and ongoing grievances against Altaf Hussain. He underscored that the family of Dr. Imran Farooq, the party leadership, and the Muhajir community had long suffered due to Hussain’s actions. Kamal pledged to continue pursuing justice, ensuring that accountability is enforced, and vowed to restore integrity and order within the party and the city of Karachi. His press conference served as a clear message that the MQM founder would be held responsible for his alleged actions, and that truth and justice would not be silenced by power or influence.