Coconut Republic

This refers to the article, ‘Coconut Republic’ (March 7) by Syed Talat Hussain. We have been hearing about the ‘minus-one’ formula for quite some time. It has failed to materialise so far because the MQM leadership has remained steadfast behind their leader. Now, as the article has suggested, “the only reason to take seriously Kamal-Qaimkhani’s arrival on the magical and mystery carpet is in the context of Altaf Hussain’s physical incapacitation or his legal problems in the UK landing him in jail. Already positioned, these two can then be made heirs to the political mandate of the MQM, ensuring that the city would not plunge into near civil war.” But in all probabilities, Altaf must have already nominated his successor to be made public at an appropriate time and it may not be possible for the two old guards to replace him. The best time for them to show up was before the local bodies elections. Now they have to wait and see.

Mustafa Kamal has to substantiate his claims, as rightly pointed out by the interior minister. Since he has been part of the MQM for many years, he cannot disassociate himself from the acts the party had committed before his resignation from the Senate in 2013. Our politics mainly revolves around personalities. Mustafa Kamal may be successful in attracting a handful of leaders but he cannot substitute the MQM as happened with the Haqiqi group. For now, Karachi is calm. It is hoped everyone has learnt from our history.

Mukhtar Ahmed

Karachi