Every patriotic and thoughtful Pakistani welcomes MQMs political activities in Punjab which is dominated by PML(N), PPP and PML(Q). these parties have been ruling the country on the strength of Punjab votes. Presently, there is no difference between the PML(N) and PPP. Both parties are dominated by landlords and industrialists and believe in dynastic politics. These parties have failed to solve problems like religious extremism, polarization, poverty, illiteracy, inequality, galloping corruption and gas and electricity load-shedding.
No doubt MQM is a well-organised political party with mission to empower the low and middle classes and have their voice heard in the national and provincial assemblies. The recent public meeting of the MQM was attended by people from Multan, Bhawalpur, DG Khan, Layyah, Khanewal, Faislabad, Gujranwala, Sargodha, TT Singh, Jhang, Bakhhar and other cities. However, a thin participation of people from Lahore where the public rally have been organised was conspicuous. MQM will have to work really hard to create some space in Lahore which is controlled by the PML(N).
The PML(N) is telling the people that MQM has spend over Rs 50 million in organising the public meeting and have paid Rs 1000 to 3000 per person brought from different cities. They are also saying that the MQMs claim of equality is a rhetoric because their leaders from Karachi were staying in five star hotels whereas the workers were dumped in their Muslim Town offices.
MQM is the first ethnic based party from Karachi which has extended its political activities to the whole Pakistan whereas the other ethnic based political parties like ANP and Balochistan parties still have to enter into the national politics. It is a good sign for democracy that more political parties are involved in the national politics, offering choices to the people to elect the right persons to represent them in the assemblies and to solve their issues and problems.
S T HUSSAIN
Lahore
