Proceedings against MQM Chief Altaf Hussain under High Treason Act for his anti-Pakistan speeches is a sensitive matter which requires careful handling. The Lahore High Court was informed this in a reply submitted by the interior secretary which suggested the court to refer the matter to an appropriate forum.
The court, however, said no one can be allowed to speak against the integrity of the country. Secretary Interior Arif Khan submitted that the matter was referred to the ministry of law and justice to solicit views regarding invoking Article 6 of the Constitution of Pakistan.
He said a meeting which was attended by the law minister, interior minister, Attorney General for Pakistan, special assistant to prime minister and secretary interior, discussed this matter. The ministry of law and justice also submitted that before making a reference to the cabinet or the PM, the matter may be referred to the Attorney General for Pakistan as Altaf Hussain has a large number of followers in urban Sindh and entails substantial political strength, the secretary said.
He said the matter is sensitive and requires careful handling despite glaring violations of law. The court after going through the reply asked the attorney general about the time that he required to give his recommendations in this regard. He said it was a sensitive matter which may take a few months. The court gave him three weeks and adjourned the matter.
The court on August 31, 2015, had banned media coverage of Altaf in print and electronic media. The petitioners, Abdullah Malik, Aftab, Maqsood and others called for a lifetime ban on live telecast of Altaf Hussain's speeches and proceedings under the Treason Act.
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