party.
Now some opposition parties like Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) and Pakistan Mulsim League-Q (PML-Q) have decided to bring resolutions in the assemblies in which they will demand ban on the MQM.
The PTI in particular is using this situation for ‘double gain.’ (1) To widen the gap between the government and establishment in case the rulers oppose the resolution against the MQM and ban demand (2) Settle political score with the Muttahida after NA-246 defeat.
The ruling PML-N may support the resolution of condemnation but may not backed any demand on imposing ban, in National Assembly or in the Senate.
Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid has already warned the PTI, saying its attempt to create a rift between the government and the establishment would not succeed.
MQM Rabita Committee, London and Pakistan chapters, in their meeting have considered some major steps to repair the damage, which may even lead to the decision that Altaf Hussain may himself decide to restrict his regular address.
The statement issued by the MQM after the meeting clearly indicates that they are facing serious pressure and are in a difficult position. Though the MQM in the past had not only supported army’s operation against terrorists but had also endorsed National Action Plan. Yet, it once again backed operation Zarb-e-Azb and importantly expressed its concern over the increasing involvement of foreign hand particularly of RAW, in destabilising situation in Balochistan and Sindh.
The statement came a day after Altaf Hussain himself issued an apology over his remarks and also praised the role of the army for eradicating terrorism.
Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) had already issued notices to at least 14 news channels along with a direction for check and balance about live coverage.
ISPR chief Major General Asim Bajwa, who had termed Altaf Hussain’s remarks as “unnecessary and unacceptable,” has already stated that they would follow the legal course, which means a case against MQM chief is under consideration.
What Altaf Hussain, perhaps, did not realise that his remarks came at a time when the army was engaged in one of the biggest battle against terrorism and his party had endorsed the NAP and supported operation Zarb-e-Azb. In a war-like situation you have to be extra careful.
However, I have my doubt that the army would like to see ban on the MQM. They certainly are not happy with some of the speeches of Altaf Hussain in the last few months and his last address in particular, but the army’s top brass also knows the political dynamics of imposing ban on any party.
What they want is complete implementation on “Karachi targeted action” across the board and would not oppose MQM’s political activities.
The controversy has not ended even after Altaf’s apology as some parties took the issue to the parliamentary forums and tabled resolutions. So, where it can lead to and whether any ban on the MQM would be in the “national interest,” or not, one has to wait and see.
Some of the parties intend to settle their score with the MQM, while other are trying to use it against the government. These include main opposition party PTI, JI and PML-Q.
Interestingly, the ruling PML-N and opposition PPP are divided on bringing resolutions. While Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has cautioned the MQM and Altaf Hussain from making irresponsible statements, he welcomed his apology. Leader of the Opposition Syed Khursheed Shah warned parties of the danger of bring resolutions against political parties in the assemblies. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif can call an all parties conference not only of political parties and people from cross section of society to formulate a ‘National Policy.’
The writer is a senior columnist and analyst of Geo, The News and Jang.