Karachi: In a high political drama, Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain today quit from his post in protest against recent violence in the city but withdrew the resignation within hours following persuasion by his party workers.

Hussain's decision to step down was conveyed to MQM workers by senior leader and parliamentarian Farooq Sattar during a meeting at the party headquarters here.

In a letter, the London-based Hussain said, "I am deeply shocked and have arrived at the conclusion that I am unable to lead the party and ask the coordination committee to look after all the affairs of the party and maintain peace in the city at all costs."

He expressed his anger at MQM's leaders and elected representatives who had failed to control the violence that erupted in the port city following clashes between two groups of lawyers. Twelve people lost their lives in the rioting.

Hussain, who addressed MQM workers on phone, was persuaded by the party workers to withdraw his decision to quit. The workers threatened to go on an indefinite hunger strike and said they would not leave the party's headquarters till Hussain changed his mind.

Source : PTI