Altaf Hussain Biography

(Politician)

Birthday: September 17, 1953 (Virgo)

Born In: Karachi

Altaf Hussain is a famous exiled Pakistani politician who currently lives in Britain. Hussain's large and extended family was amongst the millionsof Indian citizens who emigrated to the newly formed Pakistan, collectively referred to as Muhajir. After he finished his university degrees and spent a year working as a trainee, he entered politics, determined to advocate for his fellow Muhajirs, who felt cheated and left out from important roles in the government. Following the creation of his own Muhajir political party, Hussain soon fell afoul of the divisive and often violent political situation in his homeland, and hundreds of his fellow party members died in clashes with government forces. Eventually forced to flee to Great Britain, he has retained political control of his party and home city, back in Pakistan. Despite being exiled for more than 20 years, he continues to play a dominant role in his home nation's politics via telephonic addresses to large rallies. Following serious criminal accusations and allegations of connections to terrorism, he has been arrested numerous times. As his home country of Pakistan struggles to find its democratic footing, Hussain remains a divisive figure, the beloved hero of the Muhajir community and the avowed enemy of much of the ruling elite
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Quick Facts

Age: 71 Years, 71 Year Old Males

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Faiza Altaf

father: Nazir Hussain

mother: Khurseed Begum

siblings: Nasir Hussain

children: Afzaa Altaf

Political Leaders Pakistani Men

Height: 5'5" (165 cm), 5'5" Males

political ideology: Leader of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement - 18 March 1984, Political party - Mutahidda Qaumi Movement

City: Karachi, Pakistan

Founder/Co-Founder: Muttahida Qaumi Movement, All Pakistan Muttahidda Students Organization, Khidmat-e-Khalq Foundation

More Facts

education: University of Karachi, Islamia Science College

  • 1

    What is Altaf Hussain known for?

    Altaf Hussain is a prominent Pakistani politician and the founder of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), a major political party in Pakistan.
  • 2

    What is Altaf Hussain's political background?

    Altaf Hussain has been actively involved in Pakistani politics since the 1970s, particularly focusing on issues related to urban development and rights of urban dwellers.
  • 3

    What are the key ideologies of Altaf Hussain's political party, MQM?

    MQM advocates for the rights of the urban population in Pakistan, particularly in Karachi. The party promotes a secular, liberal, and pro-migrant stance.
  • 4

    How has Altaf Hussain influenced Pakistani politics?

    Altaf Hussain has been a significant figure in Pakistani politics, especially in Karachi, mobilizing support among urban populations and shaping the political landscape in the region.
  • 5

    What are some controversies surrounding Altaf Hussain?

    Altaf Hussain has faced various controversies throughout his political career, including allegations of inciting violence, money laundering, and having links to criminal elements.
Childhood & Early Life
Altaf Hussain was born on September 17, 1953 in Karachi, Pakistan. He has four sisters and six brothers. His family was originally from India but emigrated to Pakistan following independence from Great Britain in 1947. His father is NazirHussain and his mother is Khurseed Begum, both natives of Uttar Pradesh, India.
His father was an employee of Indian Railways before relocating to Pakistan. Hussain's paternal grandfather, Mohammed Ramazan, was a prominent religious leader in Agra, India.
In the late 1960s, his family relocated from Karachi to Azizabad, where he attended the ‘Government Boys Secondary School’. He graduated in 1969.
Hussainwent to the ‘City College of Karachi’ from where he completed his intermediate education. He then attended the ‘Islamia Science College’, graduating in 1974 with a Bachelor in Science.
During his final year at the ‘University of Karachi’, in 1978, Hussain was arrested after protesting for the return of Pakistanis and was sentenced to nine months imprisonment and five strokes of the whip. After his release the same year,he formed the ‘All Pakistan Muhajir Students' Organization’ to represent the rights of Muhajir students.
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Career
In 1979, he graduated from the ‘University of Karachi’ with a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree. Following graduation, he worked as a trainee pharmacist for the ‘Seventh Day Adventist Hospital’ in Karachi.
In 1984, he formed the ‘MohajirQaumi Movement’ (MQM) political part in Pakistan. This was later renamed the ‘MuttahidaQaumi Movement’ in 1997.
Hussain was arrested following a political demonstration but the charges were later dropped, in 1986.
In 1987, Hussain and other MQM members were arrested and he was not released until 1988.
In 1988, MQM and Hussain participated in the national elections and the party won enough seats to be included in the ruling coalition. After a series of negotiations, the MQM lost power.
In 1992, the government began 'Operation Clean-Up' and sent the military into Karachi, arresting or killing hundreds of members of the MQM. As a result, Hussain fled to Britain, where he was granted political asylum.
In 1995, politically-motivated fighting led to the death of his brother Nasir and his nephew Arif and their deaths were blamed on the government.
In 2002, he was granted British citizenship.
In 2009, 72 criminal cases against himin Pakistan, including 31 allegations of murder, were dropped following legislation to promote national reconciliation.
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In 2013, he was accused of being directly involved in the murder of two political leaders, Zahra ShahidHussain and Imran Farooq.
On July 3, 2013, he was arrested by British police and charged with money laundering and hate speech.
On June 3, 2014 Hussain was arrested by British police on a second charge of money laundering. He currently remains home on bail and has denied all the charges against him.
Major Works
Altaf Hussain is the long-time leader of the Muhajir community in Pakistan and effectively controls the city of Karachi, the most populous city in the country.Hussain founded and has led the MQM political party since March 18, 1984.
Personal Life & Legacy
Altaf Hussain was married to Faiza Altaf but they are currently divorced. They have one child, Afzaa Altaf.
Facts About Altaf Hussain
Altaf Hussain is known for his unique sense of style, often seen sporting colorful traditional attire that reflects his cultural heritage.
Despite his political career, Altaf Hussain is also a talented poet and has written and recited poetry that resonates with many of his followers.
He is known for his dedication to social causes, particularly in advocating for the rights of marginalized communities in Pakistan.
Altaf Hussain has a reputation for being a skilled orator, captivating audiences with his passionate speeches and ability to connect with people on a personal level.
In addition to his political pursuits, Altaf Hussain is an avid reader and has often shared his love for literature and philosophy with his supporters.

See the events in life of Altaf Hussain in Chronological Order

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- Altaf Hussain Biography
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