Has Altaf isolated himself?

Altaf Hussain’s latest statement has not only isolated him politically from the mainstream politics of Pakistan but has strengthened the supporters of ‘minus-Altaf’ formula.”
He has put his own party, Muttahidda Qaumi Movement (MQM) in an extremely difficult position, the Rabita Committee’s loyal defence of his statement notwithstanding. He has also put his constituency i.e. the Muhajirs in a quandary over where to go from here. Is the party completely helpless or is there a way forward?
MQM’s politics has always revolved around the slogan “ manzil nahi, rahnama.” So no “minus-Altaf” formula will keep the party intact. But what if the leader himself creating a situation in which the party finds it difficult to defend him?
In a situation where MQM is facing into charges of alleged funding from India and sending workers there for training, his latest remarks can cause all sorts of trouble for him and the party.
Despite an irresponsible statement from the MQM leader, the political leadership by and large has reacted in a more matured manner.They know the consequences of declaring someone a “traitor” or imposing ban on any party.
Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has perhaps overreacted by saying “the nation is waiting to see a horrible example of such a leader.” We had already seen the fallout of such statements in the past. Imran Khan, as expected, has reacted harshly to Altaf’s remarks. Federal interior
minister Ch. Nisar Ali Khan, on the other hand, adopted a balanced approach and confined his Press conference to the legal action likely to be taken, both regarding, “waging war against Pakistan” (a legal term) and cases pending against Altaf Hussain in London. Leader of the opposition, Syed Khursheed Shah has advised the government and the MQM to exercise restrain.
Irrespective of the outcome of his statement and the legal course that the government may adopt, it is important to address the issue from three aspects. Firstly, in the case of Altaf Hussain let the law take its own course, both in London and in
Pakistan. Secondly, it is important to ensure that MQM as a party is not cut off from the mainstream politics and, thirdly, there is need to resolve the ethnic conflict and the rural-urban divide.
For Altaf Hussain himself, the consequences of his speech couldbe Political isolation, ban on speech, another inquiry inBritain, adverse affect on cases pending in courts, moretrouble for the party in carrying out political and social activities and finally, lack of international support.
Unlike in the previous operation in which the MQM could muster considerable political support in the face of extra-judicial killings, the situation is quite different this time around. This will increase the political isolation of Mr
Hussain. It is strange that the rabita committee has so far failed in convincing him to restrict public speaking. In the last seven months, he had apologised for at least thrice for his irresponsible statements. Even in his television interviews, he had accepted his mistakes. So, is it not time that he should concentrate more on organisational work rather than making speeches or issuing statements.
He should have presented the case of alleged Muhajir suppression to democratic forums like Parliament, human rights organisations, civil society and the court of law instead of seeking foreign intervention. How can you ask your party leaders to seek intervention of NATO forces? How can you ask India to play a role in any manner to end the alleged suppression of Muhajirs?
Even his staunch supporters are finding it difficult to defend him. The people I have spoken to believe it was uncalled for and unnecessary. There is no doubt that Altaf Hussain’s speeches andstatements since January this year have damaged him politically and have also resulted in an unofficial ban on his “live coverage” on private television channels. There could be more restrictions on coverage of his statements.
Besides, some of MQM leaders and workers are already facingdetention and are being interrogated for “facilitating” his address. So, what has the party achieved when it politicalactivities are practically coming to a halt particularly at a timewhen local bodies elections in Sindh are round the corner.
Pakistan is passing through a very difficult phase but there are signs that in the next one or two years, the issue of terrorism would be resolved to be followed by some bold decisions required to eliminate extremism to pave the way for economic development and political stability.
However, issues of smaller provinces have either been ignored, neglected or politicised. Nationalist parties in the past were only “used” against mainstream parties. Our policies in the last 30 years allowed terrorism and extremism to take roots. Due to our policies leaders like G.M.Syed and Sheikh Mujeeb-ur-Rehman turned to separatism and leaders like Khan Abdul Wali Khan and Sardar Attaullah Mengal faced long prison terms and their party, the National Awami Party (NAP) was banned.
Today Balochistan requires special attention andPrime Minister Nawaz Sharif has taken a bold decision by allowing anationalist leader to run the province. It sent a positive message from Punjab. Development and political rights can bring about a change, if implemented sincerely.
Sindh, in many ways, is far more difficult thanBalochistan to govern. After the movement against One Unitduring Ayub’s period, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto during his tenure tried toaddress the sense of deprivation among Sindhis, but in theprocess the issue of Muhajir rights also emerged. He came out with60-40 formula and also confined quota system for ten years.
The ethnic issue aggravated under Zia. He exploited the rural-urban divide to suppress PPP. On the one hand he backed the separatist leader G.M.Syed and, on the other, allowed the rise of Muhajirs. The worst sectarian riots in Karachi also took place during his rule.
MQM, in the last 25 years, has missed many opportunities ofmaking the party more democratic, but its organisation, liberal andsecular stance on many issues has given hope to those who long for atruly progressive party.
But Altaf Hussain in the last two years has made a number of mistakes. After the 2013elections questions within the party were raised about the financial corruption and many left the party, some because of the attitude of the top
leadership.So, not much time is left for Mr Hussain to save hisparty and also to come out of political isolation. But he mustseek solutions within the framework of Pakistan and its constitution.
The writer if the senior columnist and analyst of GEO, The News and Jang