Govt to seek UK’s help to probe BBC claim on MQM

Interior minister to write to Britain today to seek access to facts

Islamabad — Islamabad will formally ask Britain for assistance in investigating claims by the BBC that the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) received money and military training from India, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said on Thursday after hectic rounds of high level meetings with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and British High Commissioner.

Nisar said he will write to the British government in this regard on Friday. The BBC report alleged that the Muttahida Qaumi Movement received funding and military training from India, strengthens Pakistan’s apprehensions against the neighbouring country.

“The report strengthens our apprehensions and information of India’s involvement in subversive activities in Pakistan,” Nisar said while talking to reporters after the meetings. He said he discussed with the British High Commissioner Philip Barton the implications of the BBC documentary.

“On his suggestion I will write a comprehensive letter on behalf of the Pakistan government to the British government on Friday to officially ask them to give Pakistan access to the BBC report, the facts and the investigation,” the minister said.

“In the past, on multiple occasions our agencies have informed the government and those of other countries of India’s involvement in Pakistan,” he added.

Nisar added: “It is the responsibility of the British government to extend as much help as possible to Pakistan in this regard.” Referring to Modi’s acknowledgement that his country played a part in the events of 1971 that led to the break-up of Pakistan, the minister added, “The highest level of leadership in the neighbouring country has admitted to involvement in other countries.”

Further, Nisar said Pakistan has sought the British government’s help in seeking detailed facts regarding the BBC’s report.

“We need UK government’s help for relevant facts regarding this report,” Nisar said. He said the report does not involve the MQM as a political party nor the people of Karachi and Hyderabad who are patriotic.

“Several sensitive issues have been disclosed in the report,” he said, adding they want to take the report to its logical end.

India is regarded with deep suspicion by Pakistanis, and claims of collusion can be highly damaging.

Earlier on Thursday, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif directed the Interior Ministry to thoroughly investigate the allegations made in the BBC report pertaining to the MQM receiving funding and training from India, and sought an early report in this regard.

Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi met the premier at the Prime Minister House on Thursday, according to the DawnNews.

During the meeting the decision to allow access to Scotland Yard to the suspects in the murder case of MQM leader Imran Farooq was also discussed.