Altaf Hussain Biography – Early Life, Education, Career, Family, Achievements & Scandals of the MQM Founder

Who is Altaf Hussain?

Altaf Hussain is a Pakistani-born British politician and the founding leader of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), formerly known as Muhajir Qaumi Movement. Known for his powerful oratory and charismatic leadership, he played a pivotal role in shaping Karachi’s political landscape for over three decades. His name is both respected and controversial in the political history of Pakistan.

Altaf Hussain Birth Place and Early Life

Altaf Hussain was born on September 17, 1953, in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan. His zodiac sign is Virgo. He belongs to a muhajir family that migrated from India during the partition. From a young age, Altaf showed leadership qualities and a deep interest in student politics.

Altaf Hussain’s Parents and Family Background

Altaf Hussain’s father, Nazir Hussain, was a religious and disciplined man, and his mother, Khursheed Begum, played a significant role in shaping his ideological beliefs. His family settled in Federal B. Area, Karachi after migration. His upbringing was deeply influenced by the struggles faced by Urdu-speaking migrants in post-independence Pakistan.

Altaf Hussain Education

Altaf Hussain completed his early education in Karachi. He later attended Islamia Science College and then University of Karachi, where he studied Pharmacy. It was during his university days that he began his political activism, founding All Pakistan Muhajir Students Organization (APMSO) in 1978.

Altaf Hussain Career – From Student Leader to MQM Founder

Altaf Hussain's political career began with the founding of APMSO, which evolved into MQM in 1984. The party rose rapidly, representing the rights of the Urdu-speaking Muhajir community in urban Sindh, especially Karachi and Hyderabad.
Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, MQM became a powerful political force, winning provincial and national assembly seats. Altaf Hussain was known for his remote-control politics, delivering telephonic speeches from London, where he took self-exile in 1992.

Altaf Hussain Height, Weight and Appearance

✅Height: 5 feet 6 inches (Approx.)

✅Weight: Around 90 kg

✅Build: Heavyset

✅Hair Color: Black (now partially grey)

✅Eye Color: Brown

Altaf Hussain Current Disease and Health Issues

In recent years, Altaf Hussain has faced multiple health problems, including cardiac issues, diabetes, and high blood pressure. There have also been reports of mental health concerns due to prolonged isolation and legal stress in the UK.

Altaf Hussain Marriage, Kids, and Personal Life

Altaf Hussain is married, though details about his wife remain mostly private. He has one daughter, named Afza Altaf. His personal life has largely remained out of the media, though his daughter has occasionally been seen supporting him during legal proceedings in the UK.

Altaf Hussain Net Worth

As of the latest estimates, Altaf Hussain's net worth is not declared , mostly accumulated through donations, political contributions, and party funding during MQM's peak era. However, his assets have been under scrutiny in both Pakistan and the UK.

List of Altaf Hussain Achievements and Political Records

✅Founder of APMSO and MQM

✅First Urdu-speaking leader to form a mainstream political party in Pakistan

✅MQM’s dominance in Karachi’s political system for 30+ years

✅First Pakistani leader to control a political party remotely via telephonic addresses

✅Voice for urban Sindh rights and muhajir identity

✅Influenced multiple governments through political alliances

Top Scandals and Legal Cases of Altaf Hussain

Altaf Hussain’s political journey is filled with controversies and scandals:

✅Accusations of inciting violence in Karachi

✅Money laundering investigations by the UK police

✅His 2016 speech against Pakistan, which led to a complete ban of his image and voice on Pakistani media

✅Declared a fugitive in multiple cases in Pakistan

Is Altaf Hussain Still Active in Politics?

While technically still the leader of MQM-London, Altaf Hussain's political influence has significantly diminished. Multiple factions of MQM now operate independently in Pakistan. He remains in London, battling court cases and health issues, while his political ideology continues to echo in pockets of Karachi.

Conclusion

Altaf Hussain remains one of the most polarizing and influential figures in Pakistani political history. From being hailed as the voice of the urban poor to becoming a symbol of controversy, his journey reflects the complexities of ethnicity, power, and politics in Pakistan. Whether as a leader, a fugitive, or a symbol of resistance, Altaf Hussain's name is etched into the narrative of modern-day Karachi.