Coming days are crucial
JUI-F and MQM cannot be faulted for smelling a ‘conspiracy’ behind the deplorable attack on parliamentarian Rashid Godil. The timing of the attack – when Mualana Fazlur Rahman had just sat down for talks at Nine-Zero – and the lack of security raise questions that are surely already being investigated. Godil miraculously survived – though his condition remains critical at the time of writing – and both negotiating parties apparently realise the importance of continuing the talks. This resolve is as encouraging as it is important at this point.
The MQM decided to submit its resignations because the Karachi operation was hurting it. Among other things the operation had reduced its fund raising capacity. The MQM’s knee jerk reaction was to tender resignations. It soon concluded that the tactic would work no more. A display of violence on the eve of a strike was enough in the past to create panic among the trading community and the transport owners forcing them to abide by the MQM’s call even when they disapproved of it. With members of the MQM’s violent wing either in custody or in hiding, the party was no more in a position to shut down the cities. Out of power after decades and shunned by the rest of the opposition, the MQM was never so isolated.
The dispatch by Nawaz Sharif of an emissary provided the party a much desired face saving device to return to Parliament and Sindh Assembly. Nawaz Sharif is keen to bring the party back to the legislatures to ensure the continuation of the system he presides upon. Sharif’s choice of a mediator was well-calculated. Fazlur Rehman and Altaf Hussain have a common cause i.e., retrieving their lost turf which Imran Khan has managed to encroach upon and is moving ahead to consolidate and expand his gains. The MQM would be acceptable to most parties in case it sheds its armed wing. The decision to part company with the criminal elements has been made easier by the Karachi operation. The coming days are crucial for the party’s future.