A British court has issued a ruling that obligates the Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) to pay £200,000 to its founder, Altaf Hussain.
This decree comes from the UK’s Court of Appeal, where three Lord Justices ordered MQM-P to remit £65,000 in legal costs to Hussain by July 30, 2024. The verdict resolves Hussain’s appeal against his erstwhile supporters, who distanced themselves from him in August 2016.
The appellate decision, which unanimously overturned a ruling favourable to MQM-P, led to the Court of Appeal’s Civil Division enforcing this payment. Typically, such financial responsibilities are assigned to the losing party in litigation to cover the prevailing party’s legal expenses.
Moreover, the court authorized the release of an additional £77,760 into Hussain’s attorney’s account, initially collected as a financial assurance when a single-bench judge had ruled against him.
MQM spokesperson Mustafa Azizabadi informed a private TV channel that Hussain plans to pursue further legal reimbursement exceeding £100,000 for expenses incurred during the initial stages of a court case against MQM-P. This case, adjudicated by Judge Clive Jones, dealt with bankruptcy and corporate matters.
Syed Amin ul Haq, a prominent leader within MQM-P and a participant in the litigation, affirmed their intention to comply with the judicial orders. He underscored their commitment to the rule of law and expressed optimism about achieving a favourable outcome in subsequent proceedings, countering MQM London’s portrayal of the case as effectively concluded.
