London – 31 January 2000

Today a few Punjabis having Punjabi chauvinist mentality called the MQM International Secretariat in London and used abusive and threatening language. They threatened to bomb the International Secretariat and assassinate Mr Altaf Hussain, Founder and Leader of the MQM.  The callers who were speaking in Punjabi language said, "we are on the look out for Altaf Hussain and as soon as we have a chance we will assassinate him".  The office bearers present in the office including Dr Imran Farooq, Convenor of MQM Co-ordination Committee, Dr Ishrat ul Ebad, Asif Siddiqui and Raza Haroon immediately contacted the police and informed them about the situation. The police officers at once reached the MQM Office and met with the office bearers. They inquired about all the details and thoroughly searched the premises.

Dr Imran Farooq while strongly condemning the threat of the Punajbi chauvinists to assassinate Mr Altaf Hussain, bomb the MQM International Secretariat and the use of abusive language has said that this cowardly act has exposed the Punjabi chauvinism. He said that it is now abundantly clear that these persons having Punjabi chauvinist mentality are responsible for the ruining and destruction of the country.

Dr Imran Farooq has appealed to all the righteous people, particularly the Mohajirs, not to worry because the British Police, Scotland Yard and relevant departments have been informed of these threats by the Punjabi chauvinists because of the open letter of Mr Altaf Hussain to the Sindh brethren. Dr Imran Farooq also appealed to all those who love and adore Mr Altaf Hussain to pray to Almighty Allah for his long life, safety and security.