GILGIT: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) here on Tuesday declared Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain absconder for not appearing in a treason case.

During hearing of the petition filed against the MQM chief, judge Raja Shahbaz Khan issued notice to Altaf Hussain to appear before the court till Sept 10 in next hearing of the case.

The court warned that if AltafHussain failed to appear in the court on the next hearing of the case, the court would issue verdict against him.

Fifteen cases have been registered against the MQM chief in various police stations of Gilgit-Baltistan on charges of treason, incitement to violence and speeches against the state and armed forces.

On 28 July, the ATC had issued `non-bailable arrest warrants` for Altaf Hussain for using derogatory language against the armed forces.