In a significant turn of events, the Court of Appeal’s Civil Division has unanimously ruled in favor of Altaf Hussain, overturning a prior decision that had favored MQM-P leaders. The three-judge panel accepted Hussain’s appeal, marking a pivotal moment in the long-standing legal dispute.
The court also authorized the release of £77,760 into Hussain’s lawyer’s account, funds that had previously been held pending the outcome of the appeal. This decision follows an initial ruling against Hussain by a single bench judge, which is customary in cases where the losing party is required to cover legal costs.
MQM-P spokesperson Mustafa Azizabadi responded to the ruling, indicating that Hussain intends to seek reimbursement of legal expenses exceeding £100,000 from MQM-P. This move is set to escalate tensions in the ongoing legal battle that traces its roots back to the 2016 defection of MQM-P leaders from Hussain, who resides in self-imposed exile in the UK.
Syed Aminul Haque, the MQM-P leader and claimant in the case, has confirmed his intent to comply with the court’s directives through his legal counsel based in London. The dispute notably revolves around ownership claims to seven London properties valued at approximately GBP10 million, which were declared assets of MQM-P in a previous court ruling.
As both parties brace for the next phase of litigation, the latest court decision represents a critical juncture in determining the ownership and financial responsibilities amidst a backdrop of political and legal contention.
