Altaf Hussain (Pakistani politician)
Altaf Hussain (Urdu: الطاف حسین; pronounced [əltaːf ɦʊseːn]; born 17 September 1953 in Karachi) is a British Pakistani politician who is known as the founder of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement. He holds United Kingdom citizenship and has been living in exile in the UK since the start of Operation Clean-up. Since 2015, he has been a fugitive from the Anti Terrorism Court of Pakistan on the charges of murder, targeted killing, treason, inciting violence and hate speech. He went on trial in the UK in January 2022 for promoting terrorism and unrest through hate speech in Pakistan, and was acquitted the next month. He had fled the country in 1992 after a crackdown against his party was launched.
Altaf Hussain | |
|---|---|
الطاف حسین | |
A picture of Altaf Hussain held at an MQM rally in Karachi. | |
| Leader of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement – London | |
| Assumed office 18 March 1984 | |
| Preceded by | Office established |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 17 September 1953 Karachi, Pakistan |
| Nationality | British Pakistani |
| Political party | Muttahida Qaumi Movement |
| Children | Afzaa Altaf |
| Residence(s) | London, United Kingdom |
| Alma mater |
|
| Occupation | Politician |
| Signature | |
| Website | www.mqm.org |
His supporters refer to him as Pir Sahib (Sufi spiritual guide), Quaid-e-Tehrik (leader of the movement), Rahbar (guide) or Altaf Bhai (brother Altaf).