The return of the native
Within three weeks of resigning en masse from the federal and Sindh cabinets and relinquishing the provincial gubernatorial post, the MQM has agreed to Governor Ishratul Ibad resuming his post. The interim period has been characterised by exchange of harsh words between the PPP and MQM and a lot of bloodshed in Karachi. The return of the Governor has been hailed by the PML(Q), ANP and Sindh government leaders in the hope that this would help normalise the situation in Karachi. The immediate cause behind MQM’s resignations was stated to be the postponement of elections on two seats for the AJK Legislative Assembly. It is still unknown whether an understanding on the issue has led to a change of heart in the party. The MQM maintains that decision on the governor’s return was made purely in the ‘larger national interest’, a vague term that often hides more than it reveals.
Keeping in view the MQM’s track record, many had doubted the party would stay long in the opposition. While Zardari was in London, there were expectations of a meeting between the President and Altaf, further strengthened when the former extended his stay. The two however failed to meet. Ch Shujaat’s subsequent talks with MQM leaders and a telephonic call to Altaf from Zardari however suddenly made the party change its mind. The MQM leaders still insist that they would sit on the opposition benches while the party’s critics maintain that Ishratul Ibad’s return is just the first step towards the MQM’s induction in the ruling coalition. The MQM feels politically isolated and has been chastened by government’s moves to scrap the local government system and initiate contact with Afaq Ahmed, the MQM’s nemesis. It would not take long under the circumstances for the party to rejoin the federal and provincial cabinets.
The resumption of office by Ishratul Ibad would be judged by its impact on the situation in Karachi. In case it helps bring peace to the city where over a hundred people have been killed in three weeks, many would hail the move. But in case target killings continue, the patch up with the MQM would be considered yet another gimmick by political players to buy time.