Tariq Mir’s alleged statement tightens noose around MQM

KARACHI (92 News) – The alleged statement of Tariq Mir has tightened noose around the Muttahida Qaumi Movement. Tariq Mir had recorded his statement before Scotland Yard police on May 30, 2012. The statement was recorded after he was investigated for 15 minutes and 34 minutes. According to the statement, the MQM has been receiving funds from Indian RAW since 1994. The money was used to purchase weapons and send workers to India for military training. Tariq Mir revealed that Altaf Hussain had demanded 1.5 million dollars during his first meeting with the RAW officers. He said that they earlier received this amount in dollars and later started receiving 800,000 pounds annually in British currency. He said that no one except him, Altaf Hussain, Imran Farooq and Muhammad Anwar knew about these secret funds. Tariq Mir said that Muhammad Anwar was the focal person of Altaf Hussain for connections with the RAW. He revealed that RAW designated time and venue of the meetings with Indian secret officials and it was also responsible for air ticket and accommodation. “We used to go another place before visiting the designated venue so that no one should suspect us,” he told investigators. Tariq Mir said that his first meeting with the RAW officials was held in Italy and he earlier went to Germany’s city Frankfurt and then Rome for this purpose. He said that they had met RAW officials n Vienna, Zurich and Prague. “Earlier, the money was given in cash. Later, RAW funds were transferred into our accounts through different sources.” Tariq Mir disclosed that they often discussed Pakistani politics, Karachi situation and issues of Afghanistan and Taliban during their meetings and the RAW officers provided minutes of the meetings to the Indian prime minister.