Altaf Hussain Hospitalized in London After Health Deteriorates

London, February 2, 2026 — Altaf Hussain, the founder and longtime leader of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), has been admitted to a local hospital in London after his health worsened over the weekend.

According to official statements shared by the party on social media platform X, the 72-year-old leader received a blood transfusion on Sunday night.

Blood Transfusion After Low Blood Count

Party sources said the blood transfusion was advised by a team of doctors after Hussain’s blood count dropped to concerning levels.

London-based MQM leader Mustafa Azizabadi confirmed that Altaf Hussain is currently under close medical observation.

His condition has been described as stable, but doctors have ordered several medical tests.

Medical Tests Underway

According to party officials, Altaf Hussain is undergoing:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG) and continuous heart monitoring

• CT scans and ultrasound tests for a full physical assessment

• Regular blood tests to monitor recovery after the transfusion

Doctors are closely watching his condition and adjusting treatment as needed.

Mental and Emotional Stress Cited

The MQM said that Altaf Hussain has been under severe emotional and mental stress in recent months.

The statement linked his stress to international political developments, along with ongoing legal and financial matters in the United Kingdom.

Political Journey and Exile

Altaf Hussain is one of the most controversial and influential figures in Pakistan’s political history.

He founded the Mohajir Qaumi Movement in 1984 to represent the Urdu-speaking Muhajir community that migrated to Pakistan after the 1947 Partition.

Later renamed the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, the party became a dominant political force in Karachi and urban Sindh for many years.

Hussain has lived in London since 1992, after a state crackdown on MQM operations in Pakistan.

Although he became a British citizen, he continued to lead the party through telephone addresses. These speeches were later banned by Pakistani courts.

Party Split and Reduced Influence

His current health issues come at a time when his political influence has weakened.

Following a controversial speech in August 2016, MQM split into multiple factions, including MQM-Pakistan and MQM-London.

Supporters Hold Prayer Vigils

As news of his hospitalization spread, supporters in Karachi and other parts of the world began holding prayer gatherings.

The MQM Coordination Committee has appealed to party workers and supporters to pray for his recovery.

The party also urged the public to ignore unverified rumors about his health circulating on social media.