Can Sattar’s ousting unite MQM-Pakistan?

News Analysis |

Beleaguered Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P’s)-PIB faction took another tumble on Monday, when Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) removed Farooq Sattar as the convener of the party, paving way for Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui’s election as the party’s new convener.

MQM-had filed a petition where it challenged Sattar’s election on the post of the convener. On ECP’s decision to take up the petition, Sattar had challenged the jurisdiction of the ECP to hear the petition claiming it to be the internal matter of the party.

On contrary to Sattar’s claims, ECP rejected PIB chief’s objection and ECP ruling that Sattar is no longer the convener of MQM. A five-member bench headed by the chief ECP–Justice Sardar Muhammad Raza Khan declared the inter-party elections held on February 18 under the leadership of PIB’s chief null and void in its short order.

MQM-P is facing the un-repairable damage to its reputation in Karachi and across Sindh, but its vote bank remains intact. If grouping persists, it may not be able to challenge center or bully Sindh government as before, but expecting it to lose next general elections is nothing but a far cry. 

Naturally, Bahadurabad faction of MQM welcomed the decision and indicated in its press conference of a new start for MQM-P under the new leadership. Ousted chief of PIB faction termed ECP’s decision as a ‘dark verdict’ which was illegal and in constitutional.

Sattar visibly livid at his dethroning, argued while speaking to the media that ECP has no mandate to rule on intra-party affairs and this decision is unjust, and managed, aiming to implement a wider plan to put an end to the MQM politics. He claimed that certain elements in the country are trying to balance the political power and vote bank of Pak Sarzameen Party (PSP) and MQM, ensuring in the process to divide Karachi seats between the two parties.

Read more: Farooq Sattar no longer convener of MQM-P: ECP

Veteran leader also alleged that ECP decision was ramification and reward for the Bahadurabad group for voting Sadiq Sanjrani in the March 3 Senate elections.

Sattar is trying to give a mixed message as he was punished for betrayal and for standing up to the notorious leader of MQM-London Altaf Hussain, in favor of state constitution and institutions. It was also apparent that he was paying the price for not following the planned agenda of certain state elements which he did not listen to and had disagreements over making an alliance with PSP.

Ambitious Amir Khan and Faisal Sabzwari may have their eye on the party’s leadership, and appear to be equally responsible for party’s situation along with egoistic Sattar who put the party at risk for Tessori.

Sattar may blame establishment as it has become a norm in Pakistan over every ill-doing. On contrary to Sattar’s claims, Bahadurabad group’s leader Faisal Subzwari invited Farooq Sattar to join hands with the faction to take the party forward. Subzwari claimed that all the party workers from both factions are part of the same outfit and his party wanted to resolve the internal disputes before the ECP’s verdict.

He reminded Sattar of his public stance to accept whatever verdict is announced on March 26. But, now he’s backing off of his statement. Bahadurabad group may have extended the olive branch towards the PIB leader and hoped to solve the internal rifts together with Sattar if later decides to rejoin and take the party forward together. 

Read more: MQM and PTI are terrorists: Bilawal

MQM-P has suffered a colossal loss since, the emergence of splinter groups. The much-publicized in the fight has cost party dearly in the March 3 Senate elections. Despite the huge spectacle of disharmony, the blue-eyed boy of Farooq Sattar, Kamran Tessori was unable to win and Bahadurabad group only managed to win a single seat, amid rebellion of its 14 members.

Sattar visibly livid at his dethroning, argued while speaking to the media that ECP has no mandate to rule on intra-party affairs and this decision is unjust, and managed, aiming to implement a wider plan to put an end to the MQM politics.

MQM is certainly going through existential crises. Persistence rifts and division could further harm Party’s electoral success in 2018 general elections. Unless it decides to bridge its ways, it could further sustain massive losses. If Sattar is aware of the fact that establishment is to blame for party’s infighting, then why cannot he call a truce, despite receiving so many invitations from Bahadurabad group?

Read more: MQM-P lawmaker tries to kill herself

The current division in the party may have been the work of hidden forces trying to dismantle the party whose senior leadership is allegedly responsible for money laundering and inciting violence and terror financing. But, Senate’s humiliating defeat has appeared to widen the rift between the two parties. Ambitious Amir Khan and Faisal Sabzwari may have their eye on the party’s leadership, and appear to be equally responsible for party’s situation along with egoistic Sattar who put the party at risk for Tessori.

MQM-P is facing the un-repairable damage to its reputation in Karachi and across Sindh, but its vote bank remains intact. If grouping persists, it may not be able to challenge center or bully Sindh government as before, but expecting it to lose next general elections is nothing but a far cry.