Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) has faced a complete failure in its attempts to stop Karachi and Hyderabad local government (LG) polls.
After lodging a strong protest against the delimitations and voter lists, MQM-P tried to convince the ruling Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) in Sindh and pressurise the Centre to play role in stopping the LG polls in Karachi and Hyderabad, however, the exercise turned out futile.
Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui-led MQM-P also threatened to part ways with the ruling alliance but it made no change on the fate of the upcoming LG polls nor PPP agreed on delaying the elections at the request of MQM-P.
After facing embarrassment on the political fronts, MQM-P decided to hold a protest on January 9. The political party will aim to pressurise the ruling PPP for implementing the agreement in Sindh.
The political party categorically rejected the delimitations and voter lists finalised by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). The LG polls in Karachi and Hyderabad are scheduled for January 15.
MQM-P also contacted Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Karachi chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman ahead of the protest rally. According to the reports, Waseem Akhtar contacted Naeemur Rehman and a MQM-P delegation is expected to visit JI Karachi headquarters Idara Noor-e-Haq soon.
A few days ago, talks between MQM-P and PPP remained inconclusive regarding the changes in delimitations for the LG elections.
Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori also expedited efforts to unit MQM factions including Pak-Sarzameen Party (PPP), Dr Farooq Sattar’s MQM Bahali Committee and MQM Haqiqi. However, the efforts have not borne fruit yet.