The Untold Story of Altaf Hussain: From Jail Cells to Political Power | Rise of MQM

#AltafHussain #MQMHistory #KarachiPolitics #Inqalaab #PakistanHistory

In this exclusive documentary by Inqalaab, we dive deep into the early political journey of Altaf Hussain, the founder of the MQM. Long before he became a dominant figure in London, his story began in the narrow streets of Karachi and the harsh barracks of Central Jail.

From the formation of APMSO on June 11, 1978, to the historic events of 1979 where he faced severe trials under martial law, this video uncovers the moments that shaped the political landscape of Sindh. We explore the transition from a student leader traveling in local buses to a powerful political figure whose followers stood by him through rain and storm.

0:00 - Introduction: The Untold Story of Altaf Hussain
2:15 - October 1979: Torture and The Karachi Jail Incident
5:42 - The APMSO Origins: Karachi University Politics 1978
8:30 - Bushra Zaidi Tragedy and the 1985 Ethnic Riots
11:15 - March 18, 1984: The Official Formation of MQM
14:05 - Historic 1986 Jalsa: Street Power and the Rain Speech
16:50 - Ghaggar Phatak Arrest and CIA Interrogation Secrets
19:35 - The First Raid on Nine Zero: Escape from Azizabad
22:10 - 1988 Jailbreak: The Symbolic Breaking of the Walls
25:00 - The London Exile: From Money Laundering to Arrests
27:15 - The Final Verdict: Legacy and Current Political Standing

In this documentary, you will discover:

The real reason behind Altaf Hussain’s first arrest in October 1979.
The challenging conditions inside the "Karatan" and "Chakar" barracks.
The formation of APMSO and the early financial struggles of the movement.
The impact of the 1985 Bushra Zaidi incident on Karachi’s social fabric.
The legendary story of the 1986 Hyderabad Jalsa and the subsequent 1987 events.
How the term "Nine Zero" originated from a simple telephone number.
The dramatic details of his release and the role of public sentiment in the late 80s.
The historical background of urban Sindh politics during the late 1970s & 1980s.
The rise of MQM as a representative voice of urban communities.
How political pressure shaped leadership style and organizational discipline.
The role of public support and political mobilization.
Why these early years still matter in understanding Pakistan's political evolution.

Join us as we analyze the historical archives to understand how these early years influenced the future of urban Sindh and the MQM.

Watch more from Inqalaab:    / @theinqalaab  

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#PoliticalHistory #Documentary2026 #KarachiArchives #APMSO #HistoricalJourney #1979 #1987