FIA secures arrest warrants against MQM leaders in money-laundering probe

ISLAMABAD - The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has obtained non-bailable arrest warrants against four former and incumbent leaders of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) in connection with a money laundering case.

An anti-terrorism court in Karachi issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Babar Ghauri, Khawaja Sohail Mansoor, Ahmed Ali and Deputy Karachi deputy mayor, Arshad Vohra.

FIA officials said the four were repeatedly issued notices for interrogation, but they failed to turn up for investigation.

According to sources, the politicians have been directed to appear before FIA on November 12.

A money laundering case was filed against the MQM founder and Khidmat-e-Khalq Foundation (KKF) in Karachi in 2017, however, it was later transferred to the FIA's Counter-Terrorism Wing in Islamabad.

Following an anti-Pakistan speech by the party leader,  MQM split into two factions, with Pakistan-based members distancing themselves from their London-based leadership.

Later, some members defected to other political parties as well, including Mustafa Kamal-led Pak Sarzameen Party (PSP) which failed to garner support in the General Elections, contrary to perception.