Redefining itself
The submission of a resolution by MQM leader Farooq Sattar in the lower house condemning the ’anti-Pakistan’ statements made by the party’s defunct leader Altaf Hussain is a welcome move by MQM-Pakistan. A similar resolution moved by Federal Minister Barjees Tahir has been passed by the House unanimously.
The fact that 22 out of the 24 MNA’s from MQM signed both resolutions suggests that there is consensus amongst MQM-Pakistan on the new direction they are taking. This is however something unheard of in the party’s history and therefore many doubt the MQM parliamentarians’ sincerity.
The events of 22nd August that include attacks on media houses in Karachi have proven to be a watershed moment for the party as its leadership in Pakistan seems to have realized the need to completely disassociate themselves from Altaf Hussain and his London set up. The removal of Altaf Hussain’s name from party constitution and his picture from party flag are also moves in the right direction.
On Thursday, Wasay Jalil from MQM-London said that there could not be any ‘minus-one formula’ as there is no MQM without Altaf – only a day after all MNA’s from the party have done just that, cut Altaf out.
Petitions have meanwhile been filed with the Sindh High Court to impose a ban on the party. PTI’s Ali Zaidi even wrote to the COAS to do the same. However the opposition – and the government – want the party to be given an opportunity to go through the motions in redefining itself.
MQM Pakistan has a lot to prove. While distancing from Altaf is welcome and necessary so is the ouster of the militant elements that are still present in the party.
To provide confidence to the MQM which complains of being sidelined its offices that are not built illegally need to be unsealed and the party should be allowed to operate like any other party. Any and all cases against MQM workers and leaders should be judged on the basis of solid proof.