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.
Excellent editorial. It was expected from the day one of MQM's en masse exit from the government that they will come back to the government. One could easily discern from the faces of MQM leaders that glee on their face which was obvious when they were in the government had obviously vanished. Thanks to outburst of Dr Mirza MQM was provided a golden opportunity to show the PPP their ugly face. The leader of the MQM was predicting 'destruction' of the PPP government. True to its character Altaf made a U-Turn and let its governor assume the duties of governor. The plan is that its ministers will later join the government.
MQM. as I have said previously, without power is like a fish without water. So it is not surprising that they have returned to the treasury benches. The other thing is that MQM thrives on violent politics. Therefore, I think, peace will never return unless MQM abandons its militant wing.
Flesh eating birds of bloody feathers flock together.Predators also stay together.Criminals mafia also stay together to meet their common criminal agenda of power and money.That explains our national politics of blood,fire and ruined poor.
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