Reports about Altaf Hussain being ill ‘baseless’, ‘unfounded’: MQM

KARACHI - The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has rejected reports regarding its chief Altaf Hussain being seriously ill as ‘baseless’ and ‘unfounded.’

Senior MQM leader, Mustafa Azizabadi, said Hussain’s health in fine and he has been attending regular party meeting and participating in other activities.

When asked reports regarding Hussain undergoing treatment in Germany, Azizabadi said: “These are all rumours spread by ‘enemies’ and nothing more.”

MQM insiders said that Hussain is likely to address the Punjab convention at Lahore on April 25 by telephone, The News reports.

Hussain’s suspicious absence from Pakistan’s political scene amidst the recent chaos over the 18th Constitutional Amendment bill has raised questions over his well being.

The MQM’s silence over the party chief’s whereabouts has only added fuel to rumours.

When asked about the issue, MQM spokesperson, Salahuddin, neither confirmed nor denied reports regarding Hussain being ill.

The spokesman said that Hussain had addressed the party on March 16 and was in good health at the time.

According to sources, former Prime Minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) President Shujaat Hussain had recommended a homeopathic doctor in Germany to Hussain.

The MQM chief also did not meet President Asif Ali Zardari during his recent trip to London, and sources said that Hussain has been under medical treatment since that time. (ANI)