KARACHI - The Muttahida Qaumi Movement on Tuesday filed a defamation case with the Sindh High Court against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan claiming damages to the tune of Rs5 billion for hurling what they said unfounded allegations against Muttahida chief Altaf Hussain. 
Farooq Sattar and Farogh Naseem personally moved the lawsuit in the court.
On May 18, Imran Khan held Altaf Hussain responsible for the murder of his party leader, Zehra Shahid, drawing strong reaction from MQM workers.
“I hold Altaf Hussain directly responsible for the murder, as he had openly threatened PTI workers and leaders through public broadcasts,” Khan had tweeted.
MQM said it had sent a legal notice to Imran following his accusations but received no response in return. The party has now filed a defamation suit in the court.
Talking to newsmen on the court premises, MQM leader Farooq Sattar said paty’s legal aide, Barrister Farogh Naseem, filed the defamation case on behalf of his party.
Sattar said PTI chief Imran Khan wrongly accused MQM chief Altaf Hussain as being involved in the murder of PTI leader Zehra Shahid just a day before May 11 elections in Karachi.
He further said that the PTI chief should tender an apology for levelling baseless allegations against Altaf Hussain.
MQM’s Senator Farogh Nasim said that a notice in this regard was sent to PTI chief Imran Khan earlier as well but no reply was received from him. He further said that the defamation suit was the first step of many more to come.
After Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s move, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has decided to retaliate by bringing a defamation lawsuit with double amount against the rival party.
PTI leader Shireen Mazari said in Islamabad MQM leaders were continuously defaming her party chief Imran Khan, therefore, the party decided to file a defamation suit worth Rs10billion against the MQM.
She said lawyers had been consulted in this regard while a final decision would be made after Imran Khan’s return on July 25.
She reiterated the MQM was responsible for Karachi situation, and said the British citizen had been influencing law and order situation of the largest city and financial hub of the country.
Mazari said her party did not believe in blame game, but MQM move forced them to take this extreme step.
Hours earlier, the MQM filed a defamation suit worth Rs5billion against Imran Khan. MQM leaders Farooq Sattar and Farogh Naseem personally filed the suit in the Sindh High Court.
Imran had held Altaf Hussain responsible for Zehra's murder, and accused him of inciting violence through his public broadcasts.