LONDON / KARACHI — Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) founder Altaf Hussain’s health is improving, party leaders said, after he was recently hospitalized in London with a severe illness.
On Saturday, MQM officials confirmed that Hussain underwent several medical tests and received blood transfusions. These procedures have helped stabilize his condition. The update follows a wave of speculation and misinformation about his health that spread online.
Leaders Confirm Positive Signs
In a video posted on X (formerly Twitter), Mustafa Azizabadi, a senior MQM leader based in London, shared that Hussain’s health had improved since Friday.
“Altaf Hussain bhai underwent some tests and a blood transfusion. His health has greatly improved,” Azizabadi said. “Doctors are continuing treatment based on the latest reports.”
He also criticized false reports on social media. “Some rumors circulating online are completely false and upsetting,” he said. He urged supporters to follow official party updates.
Blood Transfusions to Continue
Qasim Ali, Deputy Convener of the MQM Coordination Committee, issued another statement. He said doctors conducted a detailed medical checkup and reviewed Friday’s test results. Based on those results, they decided to continue transfusions.
“Doctors have recommended more blood transfusions today,” he said. “They are watching his condition closely and adjusting treatment as needed.”
Condition Not Believed to Be Critical
While MQM has not shared full details of the illness, leaders remain optimistic. They believe the condition is not life-threatening and expect full recovery with ongoing care.
Party members say they will keep supporters informed and ask for prayers during Hussain’s recovery.
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A Polarizing Political Figure in Exile
Altaf Hussain, 70, founded the MQM in 1984 to represent the Urdu-speaking Mohajir community, descendants of migrants who arrived in Pakistan during the 1947 Partition. Originally named the Mohajir Qaumi Movement, the party quickly rose to prominence, especially in urban Sindh.
Under Hussain’s leadership, the MQM dominated elections in Karachi and Hyderabad, becoming the third-largest political party in the country by 1988. However, Hussain’s political journey has been marred by controversy.
The MQM has faced serious allegations of violence, including extortion, targeted killings, and intimidation of political rivals. While Hussain has consistently denied these accusations, claiming the state and rival parties orchestrated a campaign to crush MQM, security operations and legal cases against the party and its workers intensified over the years.
Exile in London and Continued Influence
In 1992, amid a military crackdown on the MQM, Hussain left Pakistan for London, where he sought asylum and was later granted British citizenship. From abroad, he continued to play a highly active political role, broadcasting speeches to supporters in Karachi and maintaining a firm grip on the party.
However, his influence waned in recent years after internal splits within the MQM and a media blackout imposed by Pakistani authorities following a controversial speech in 2016.
Despite living in self-imposed exile, Hussain remains a symbolic figure for many in the Mohajir community. His hospitalization sparked emotional reactions across social media platforms, with party loyalists expressing concern and offering prayers for his recovery.
As of Saturday evening, MQM officials stated that treatment will continue under close medical supervision in London. No further complications have been reported.
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