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MQM Founder Altaf Hussain Hospitalised in London Amid Severe Illness
MQM founder Altaf Hussain hospitalised in London due to severe illness. Party says he’s under treatment in ICU following stress and blood transfusion.
ND
by News Desk
2025-07-11
MQM Founder Altaf Hussain Hospitalised in London Amid Severe Illness

Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) founder Altaf Hussain has been hospitalised in London following a deterioration in his health, senior party officials confirmed on Friday.

In a statement, MQM London-based leader Mustafa Azizabadi said that Altaf Hussain was admitted to a hospital due to "severe illness" and remains under medical observation. Doctors have conducted several tests, including blood tests, ECG, CT scan, X-ray and ultrasound.

“The MQM founder has been under immense mental stress due to the national and international situation, legal challenges, and financial difficulties,” said Azizabadi, adding that doctors had also recommended blood transfusion, which has since been carried out.

Altaf Hussain has reportedly been placed in intensive care as a precaution, although MQM leadership hopes “it’s not something serious”.

Background: Altaf Hussain and the MQM

Born on September 17, 1953, in Karachi’s Azizabad neighbourhood, Altaf Hussain founded the All-Pakistan Mohajir Students Organisation (APMSO) in 1978 during his university years. In 1984, he formed the Mohajir Qaumi Movement, later renamed MQM, to represent the Urdu-speaking community in urban Sindh.

Hussain went into self-imposed exile in London in 1992 during a military operation in Karachi and was later granted British citizenship. Despite being thousands of miles away, he remained a dominant figure in Pakistani politics for decades, delivering regular speeches to his followers via phone or video link.

The MQM under his leadership gained significant political traction in the 1988 elections and dominated Karachi politics for years.

However, his influence waned following controversial speeches, most notably in August 2016, where he allegedly incited violence and raised anti-Pakistan slogans. That led to a state crackdown on MQM, the sealing of its Karachi headquarters, and a split in the party as local leaders distanced themselves from him.

Legal Troubles and Acquittal in the UK

In 2019, Altaf Hussain was charged with encouraging terrorism by British police, stemming from his incendiary speech. He was arrested but later released on bail.

In February 2022, a UK jury acquitted him on both counts of encouraging terrorism under the UK Terrorism Act 2006.

 
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