Likely impact on MQM

Not much likely to change

Powers, in fact, have been out for years to break up MQM, the representative of Urdu-speaking class of Karachi, Hyderabad, Mirpur Khas, and Sukkur, all cities of Sindh. In 1992, a faction — MQM (Haqiqi) — was born during an army operation targeting Karachi and other parts of Sindh.

The MQM, led by Altaf Hussain, survived. Now, former MQM senator and Karachi mayor Mustafa Kamal is trying his luck. He is often remembered for being a leader who took important initiatives during his time as mayor. American magazine Foreign Policy counted Kamal as one of the best mayors in the world.

There is no doubt that Rabita Committee and senior leaders of MQM a feel high level of resentment due to continuous insults from Altaf Hussain, wrong policies, involvement in terrorist activities, and India-specific links. MQM is a party of the middle class and is full of well-educated leaders who are as patriotic as any other community.

The PML-N government and army establishment has been trying to break Altaf Hussain’s hold on MQM and transform it into a terror-free political party, but have had limited success so far.

Mustafa Kamal may be speaking the truth and from the bottom of his heart but he must have had some understanding with the government and army establishment prior to his arrival in Karachi.

What will happen in the MQM in the coming days is the question, which DNAput to politicians and political analysts.

Journalist Durdana Najam was of the opinion that Mustafa Kamal’s abrupt arrival and his emotional speech laced with religious sentiments is enough to prove that he has been chosen to accomplish something sinister. It is certainly a part of Karachi operation but there is a slim chance of this drama leaving a lasting effect.

Journalist Kunwar Khuldune Shahid thinks that as has been reiterated the most intriguing aspect of Mustafa Kamal’s blitz is its timing — but for a wide range of reasons. If one buys the claim that he’s an establishment tool put forward for the final act against MQM, Kamal’s arrival is at least a few months too late.

If political irrelevance pushed Kamal back to Karachi, he could have waited some time to make the entry. The local political stage is brimming over with too many actors right now for Kamal to get anywhere near the spotlight, said Khuldune adding that Thursday’s presser revealed that it was the spotlight that the former Karachi mayor craves.

“Announcing a new party with a former partner in crime; using the Pakistani flag as the party symbol; the tears; the reiteration of accountability to Allah — perfectly theatrical for the target audience.”

Columnist Ayesha Zee Khan was of the opinion that it’s not a question of when someone came out with information; the question is why this took place in the first place. You do not kill the messenger; you kill the reason for such an act.

Mustafa Kamal specified in his presser: “After getting thousands of MQM workers killed what has Altaf Hussain achieved? Other than buying expensive properties in his name and his family’s name?” she asked.

Commenting on the issue political analyst Faraz Darvesh told DNA that the bigger question is what will be the outcome of this episode and whether MQM’s vote bank will break?

He added that Mustafa Kamal has strengthened those within MQM to vocally challenge Altaf Hussain’s leadership and may have broken their fear; therefore, we may see some restructuring in MQM hierarchy in the near future.

I believe MQM would keep its stronghold in Karachi regardless of whether Mustafa Kamal creates his own party because MQM has got deep roots, a well organised structure, and the Mohajir card, said Faraz.

There is little or no chance of PTI or any other party making any breakthrough in Karachi and we’ve witnessed this in local body and NA246 elections that MQM retained its stronghold even after Saulat Mirza, Nine-Zero raid, Dr Imran Farooq murder involvement, and India links revelation episodes.

“I feel that the army establishment provided a fair chance to PTI in NA246 and local body elections to make a breakthrough in Karachi but PTI miserably failed, therefore, it looks like the new strategy is to either break MQM from within once again or make it independent of Altaf Hussain’s leadership,” he said.

Political analyst Jalal Hussain was of the opinion that the Rangers Operation in Karachi, the Imran Farooq murder investigation, Saulat Mirza’s confession video and now Mustafa Kamal’s explosive press conference has put the MQM under immense pressure.

“The establishment seems to be gunning for them in a bid to cleanse Karachi of its mafia culture. Despite facing an all-out attack from various fronts, MQM has not been losing political capital as shown by the results of the local government elections and the by election in NA-246.”

Jalal added that the MQM’s brand of politics and the persona of Altaf Hussain still resonate with the people of Karachi, particularly the Mohajir community, who revere the MQM.

Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Syed Khursheed Shah, when contacted, said “My experience suggests that no big change will be witnessed in the political scene of the country and especially that of urban areas of Sindh.”

While criticising the fiery presser on Thursday he added that allegations uttered against anyone is not a good deed. “He (Kamal) did not mention anything new. “Where was Mustafa Kamal if MQM was being funded for the last 20 years? … Why did he remain a RAW agent all that time?” he questioned. Recalling anti-MQM operations during the ‘90s, the PPP stalwart said the former kept on emerging after being suppressed on several occasions during that period. The opposition leader ruled out the possibility of supporting a ‘reformed-MQM’.

Rehman Malik’s reply to the allegations

Former interior minister and central leader of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Rehman Malik has rejected the allegations of former mayor of Karachi Mustafa Kamal.

Rehman Malik, reacting to the accusations of Kamal, said that it was not his duty to dictate the declaration of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM). He said that his meetings with the MQM chief were in connection with strengthening the allied governments in the center and province. He said that either Sindh Governor Ishratul Ibad or Farooq Sattar would present during the meetings.

MQM smells conspiracy

“The return of Mustafa Kamal and Anees Qaimkhani is part of a conspiracy but MQM stands by Altaf Hussain,” said party leader Farooq Sattar on Thurday.

He said similar allegations were levelled against MQM during last year’s NA-246 by-polls.

“But people voted in our favour which implies that the people of Karachi, regardless of their religion, sect and class, stand with Altaf Hussain and MQM,” claimed Sattar.

He advised Kamal to support Wasim Akhter, the elected mayor, and help Akhter during his work with his experience if “he truly sympathises with the people of Karachi”.

Speaking via telephone from London on Thursday, Rabita Committee convener Nadeem Nusrat lashed out at the media for making “an issue out of a non-issue.”

“Media gave hours of air time to people with no mandate,” complained Nadeem Nusrat.

He said the party does not need to clarify itself because the “people’s court has always issued its verdict in favour of MQM.”

“On the one hand the MQM chief is not allowed to appear on media, but the same media airs baseless allegations against him”, maintained Nusrat.

“I will ask the establishment to stop this media blackout because no one else but only Altaf Hussain is the solution to these problems,” said Nusrat.

Nusrat said those who oppose Altaf Hussain are treated as heroes. “But people like me, who still stand with the MQM chief, are termed criminals.”