Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) senior leader and Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal on Sunday alleged that MQM founder Altaf Hussain orchestrated the murder of party co-founder Dr Imran Farooq, claiming it was carried out as a “birthday gift” for the exiled leader.
Speaking to the media in Karachi, Kamal — once a close associate of Hussain — said that Dr Farooq was murdered in London in September 2010 on Altaf Hussain’s instructions, allegedly given while he was under the influence of alcohol.
“Altaf Hussain told his workers in Pakistan that Dr Imran Farooq was creating trouble,” Kamal claimed, adding that the workers then travelled to London and carried out the killing. He further alleged that Scotland Yard was aware of those responsible for the murder.
Dr Imran Farooq, one of the founding members of the Mohajir Quami Movement — later renamed the Muttahida Qaumi Movement — was found murdered near the party’s London office on September 16, 2010.
Kamal said he had remained silent on the issue for the past two years but decided to speak out after Altaf Hussain allegedly accused members of MQM-P and the Pak Sarzameen Party of involvement in the killing. The Pak Sarzameen Party, founded by Kamal, has since merged with MQM-P.
The federal minister also accused the MQM founder of creating unnecessary controversy surrounding the recent death of Dr Farooq’s widow, Shumaila Imran Farooq, who passed away in London earlier this month after battling cancer and other health complications.
“Donations were collected from around the world in the name of sending her body to Pakistan,” Kamal alleged, claiming the issue was politicised for ulterior motives.
According to media reports, Shumaila Imran Farooq had persistently sought justice for her husband but was allegedly abandoned by both MQM factions — London and Pakistan.
Kamal said he possessed evidence related to the murder and expressed willingness to fully cooperate with authorities to ensure justice. He further claimed that Dr Farooq’s children were kept in hiding for 15 days following the killing for security reasons.
He urged the slain leader’s now-grown children to pursue legal action, adding that Altaf Hussain’s actions had severely damaged the reputation and progress of the Muhajir community, particularly in education and civic development.
