KARACHI: Political parties have expedited efforts for gathering forces ahead of Sindh local government (LG) polls so as the Urdu speaking factions came into action to collect their divided vote bank into a box.
The divided factions of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) including MQM Pakistan led by Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Tanzeem Bahali Committee led by Farooq Sattar, Pak-Sarzameen Party (PSP) led by Mustafa Kamal and Muhajir Qaumi Movement (MQM) Haqiqi led by Afaq Ahmed have seemingly tried to give a new life to ‘Muhajir’ narrative.
After remaining in power for decades, the divided vote bank of the MQM factions failed to perform well in the 2018 general elections. The factions are seemingly trying to play the Muhajir card again to gather their vote bank ahead of LG polls.
Earlier in the month, Farooq Sattar had met former Sindh governor Ishratul Ebad Khan in Dubai where they aimed to start special efforts for gathering the divided units.
Later in a surprise speech, former MQM leader Aamir Liaquat Hussain, who is now a NA lawmaker of PTI, called for dialogues with Altaf Hussain. He also made a statement before the crowd on Muhajir Culture Day in Karachi for not forgetting the one who had given them the ideology of Muhajir.
PTI MNA Amir Liaquat Hussain comes out in support of Altaf Hussain as charged crowd raises slogans in support of the exiled MQM founder. ‘If you can hold negotiations with the Taleban then why not also hold talks with Altaf Hussain’ #MuhajirCultureDay2021 #altafhussain pic.twitter.com/0R5stp8NiI
— Murtaza Ali Shah (@MurtazaViews) December 24, 2021
On the other hand, PSP had also rejected the new LG laws of Sindh and hinted at strong protests.
In another development, MQM Haqiqi Chairman Afaq Ahmed announced to launch South Sindh Movement and invited all Muhajir leaders to join his political party. He had also called for welcoming his worst enemies in the interests of Muhajir people.
The latest developments have hinted at beginning of solid efforts for the creation of a new political party or alliance to gather the Muhajir vote bank.