- Party to boast public power in Nov-5 demo
- Vohra says disturbing to see MQM ‘perish’
KARACHI: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) is in a state of confusion following the defection of Karachi’s Deputy Mayor Arshad Vohra, as the latter has predicted that many more “are in line to leave the party” and believes it won’t even last till next general elections.
Sattar-led MQM-P had called a meeting at party’s temporary headquarters in Bahadurabad on Monday, but it had to be postponed since top party leaders did not take any interest in devising a future strategy that could prevent MQM-P leaders from joining other parties, notably Pak Sarzameen Party (PSP).
Nevertheless, media reports suggested the MQM-P has already devised a strategy to cope with the crisis. Under this approach, no immediate action would be taken on the resignation option. Though, if the MQM-P Rabita Committee unanimously decides then, in the first step, its MNAs, then the MPAs, and in the last, the local government representatives of the party, would have to resign from their respective posts.
The “upset” party leadership also decided to approach the federal government regarding the matter, said party sources, adding that the leadership would make it clear to the government that if it does not stop pressuring its members to join the PSP, the MQM-P will move courts and resort to public protests.
The Sattar-led party also announced to hold a demonstration on November 5 at Jinnah’s Mausoleum (Mazaar-e-Quaid) to show off its public power.
‘NO GENERAL ELECTIONS FOR MQM’: Following his defection, Vohra told a local media outlet on Monday: “I don’t see the MQM participating in the 2018 General Elections… When there are already such big differences over small issues, later, when seats will be distributed and performance will not be considered… many issues will crop up.” “Hopefully, at that time, there will be no in-fighting,” Vohra added.
Vohra, for the second time, criticised Sattar after defection, saying he had not been able to handle the MQM’s affairs.
Terming the dismemberment of the MQM “disturbing”, Vohra said, “Each individual is a group in himself”, adding that it was disappointing to see MQM “perish”.
On his role as the deputy mayor, he responded that “as a moral rule I should step down from this post”, adding he would still consider the matter from a legal point of view.
MQM-P TO BRING NO-TRUST MOVE AGAINST VOHRA: The MQM-P —in the light of recent events— is considering bringing a no-confidence motion against Arshad Vohra during a meeting of the city council on Tuesday (today). Mayor Waseem Akhtar will chair the city council meeting.
On Sunday, Karachi Deputy Mayor Arshad Vohra had decided to leave the MQM-P for the Mustafa Kamal-led PSP.
Explaining the motives behind his desertions, Vohra had explained said that the MQM-P under Sattar’s leadership “lacked vision”. “We have waited for one year, even addressed issues with party leadership and they said a plan would be formed. When will the planning happen?” he had asked.
“I cannot face the people I made promises to […] and they have voted for me to be in this position.”
“The way Mustafa Kamal delivered for Karachi, whatever resources he had, can be upheld as a successful example for a mayor. Unfortunately, we have not been able to follow that example. That’s why I have joined him. I don’t want to criticise anyone, but if I can’t follow through on my responsibilities then it’s better to leave the seat,” he had said.
Addressing the media following the announcement about his decision on Sunday, Vohra said that a number of MQM-P members are in line to leave the party for the PSP.
PSP President Qaimkhani had endorsed Vohra, saying if Dr Farooq Sattar had moral standing, he along with his party men should resign from membership of the assemblies, as a large number of leaders associated with his party were ready to join the PSP.
In retaliation, Sattar had stated the party does not want to partake in politics of pressure, adding that the party can bring back the members that have joined rival political groups.