From Nine Zero to London: Altaf Hussain’s Struggle, Allegations, and Realities – A Comprehensive Investigative Review

Early Life and the Significance of Nine Zero

Altaf Hussain was born on September 17, 1953, in Karachi to a Muhajir family. His parents migrated from Agra, India, to Pakistan after the partition. Poverty, social inequality, and the struggle for identity in a new homeland shaped his early life. His modest home in Karachi’s Azizabad, later famously known as “Nine Zero,” became the epicenter of his political struggle. This house not only served as his residence but also transformed into the headquarters of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), symbolizing the political awakening of the Muhajir community.

The Journey from APMSO to MQM

In 1978, Altaf Hussain founded the All Pakistan Muhajir Students Organization (APMSO) at Karachi University, a platform to address the grievances of Muhajir students. This organization laid the foundation for the political awakening of the Muhajir community. In 1984, he established the Muhajir Qaumi Movement (MQM) to secure political, economic, and social justice for Muhajirs. In 1997, the party was renamed Muttahida Qaumi Movement to include other ethnicities, though its core identity remained tied to the Muhajir cause. MQM gained a strong foothold in Karachi, Hyderabad, and urban Sindh, achieving remarkable success in the elections of 1987, 1988, 1990, 1997, 2002, and 2008.

The Muhajir Cause and Political Achievements

Altaf Hussain transformed the Muhajir community’s sense of deprivation into political power. He mobilized the middle class, students, laborers, and lower-income groups, integrating them into the political process. MQM established a robust local government system in Karachi and Hyderabad, with development projects under Mustafa Kamal’s tenure (2005–2010) earning international acclaim. In Sindh, MQM’s influence is evident through the appointments of governors like Ishrat-ul-Ibad (2002–2016) and the current governor, Kamran Tessori, both associated with the party under Altaf Hussain’s leadership.

At the federal level, MQM played a significant role in the governments of Benazir Bhutto, Nawaz Sharif, Pervez Musharraf, Asif Zardari, and Yousuf Raza Gilani. The party held key portfolios, including Interior, Communications, Labour, Overseas Pakistanis, Science and Technology, and Ports and Shipping. In Azad Kashmir, an MQM representative was elected to the assembly and appointed as a minister. Similarly, in 2009, Raja Azam Khan’s victory in the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly and his appointment as Minister for Planning highlighted MQM’s geographic outreach.

Support for Asif Zardari’s Presidency and Political Alliances

In 2008, following General Pervez Musharraf’s resignation, Altaf Hussain extended full support to Asif Zardari in the presidential elections, enabling Zardari’s election as President of Pakistan. This alliance not only strengthened MQM’s position in federal politics but also provided a platform to highlight urban Sindh’s issues at the national level.

Altaf Hussain’s Political Style: A Unique Leadership

Altaf Hussain’s politics was a revolution against the traditional feudal and dynastic system. He empowered ordinary individuals—newspaper hawkers, rickshaw drivers, students, and laborers—by bringing them into the corridors of power. Unlike other political leaders such as Benazir Bhutto, Nawaz Sharif, Shahbaz Sharif, or Maryam Nawaz, who pursued high offices themselves, Altaf Hussain never accepted any official position. Instead, he elevated his workers to positions of prominence, granting assembly seats or ministries to those he deemed fit and withdrawing them when necessary, reflecting his firm grip over the party. His famous slogan, “Rights are not given; they must be seized,” encapsulated his struggle. He put this into practice, though political opponents linked it to allegations of militancy to tarnish his movement.

Marriage, Family, and Personal Sacrifices

Altaf Hussain married Fauzia Begum, but he kept his personal life private. He has a daughter, yet details about his family remain largely out of the public eye. His political struggle came at a great personal cost: his brother, Nasir Hussain, and nephew, Arshad Hussain, were martyred, reflecting the heavy price his family paid for his activism.

Allegations and Legal Challenges

Altaf Hussain faced serious allegations, including terrorism, links with India, hate speeches, and money laundering. He was also accused of involvement in the murder of his close aide, Dr. Imran Farooq, who was killed in London in 2010, but these charges were never proven. In the UK, he faced cases related to money laundering and other allegations but was acquitted in all instances. Altaf Hussain confronted every legal battle head-on, never seeking an NRO (National Reconciliation Ordinance) or state concessions. His supporters view his legal struggles as a testament to his democratic resistance.

State Operations and the “Minus Altaf” Policy

In 1992, 1994, and 2015, MQM faced large-scale state operations. Nine Zero was repeatedly targeted, and thousands of workers were arrested or disappeared. Following a controversial speech in 2016, Altaf Hussain was completely blacked out from Pakistani media, and a “Minus Altaf” policy was enforced to sideline him politically. This led to the formation of MQM-Pakistan, a faction that distanced itself from the London leadership. This division weakened the party, but Altaf Hussain’s supporters maintain that his struggle’s spirit endures.

Health, Exile, and Public Standing

Since 1992, Altaf Hussain has lived in exile in London, where he is currently undergoing medical treatment. Information about his health remains scarce. Despite media bans in Pakistan, his supporters, particularly within the Muhajir community, continue to revere him as “Altaf Bhai,” a title bestowed upon him by the community itself. On social media, his followers celebrate his services and sacrifices, viewing him as the voice that gave political consciousness and power to the Muhajirs.

Conclusion: A Controversial but Unforgettable Figure

Altaf Hussain’s politics represents an ideology, a movement for public awakening, and a form of political resistance. He organized the struggle for Muhajir rights and empowered the middle class, challenging the dominance of the traditional elite. His personal sacrifices, family losses, and legal battles have cemented his historical significance. While his political style may invite disagreement, his legacy—from Nine Zero to London—remains a pivotal chapter in Pakistan’s political history. He proved that rights are not granted but must be fought for, and this struggle became the collective voice of a community.