KARACHI: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) head, Dr Farooq Sattar, on Saturday called an end to what he termed an undeclared ban on his party. He stated the MQM was no longer associated with the party chief and demanded that the party’s political isolation should come to an end.
Farooq Sattar claimed that the MQM headquarters, Nine-Zero, had been sealed illegally and unconstitutionally and that there was no point of this action after the party’s disassociation from Altaf Hussain.
“When we say that we have disconnected with London, it means that we are no more in contact with them. Stop doing speculation,” Sattar said, while addressing a press conference in Karachi.
“Stop doubting our intention. If somebody is not clear, he should consult some Urdu linguist for an explanation of what we have said.”
Sattar went on to say that the MQM was only asking for political ownership, which is their due legal and political right. “Stop our victimisation through the media. Stop pressurising us through these so-called analysts. We won’t take any dictation either from here or there. You cannot seal the headquarters of a political party only because of the controversial statements issued by an individual who has already dissociated from the party,” warned Sattar.
Interestingly, prior to August 22 incidents of attacks on media houses Farooq Sattar used to call Altaf Hussain Quaid; after that when he dissociated himself from the party chief he called him ‘founder’, and on Saturday he called Altaf ‘Sahib’.
“We will cooperate with the law enforcement agencies if the party members or workers are found involved in any unlawful action or violation of law and order,” he claimed, adding that unlawful raids and arrests of innocent workers must be stopped immediately.
“These actions demonstrate that it is not just about one person but there is some other nefarious agenda being followed behind the curtains,” said Sattar. “It suggests you are planning to create factions inside the MQM.”
The MQM leader said that more than 20 party offices had been demolished so far despite the fact that many of them were legal and the properties were donated by MQM’s well-wishers. “Even if these offices were illegal, why these offices were not demolished earlier.”
When Wasim Akhtar will take oath as Karachi’s mayor, he will announce to demolish all the illegal encroachments including our illegal offices [if any],” Sattar announced. He said that the party’s offices that were razed were legal as documents regarding their legality were also present. Some 20 to 40 offices of the party have been demolised till now.
“I hereby inform the federal and provincial governments that our offices and members have nothing to do with the statements of Altaf Hussain. Stop pushing us towards negative approach. We showed positivity and expect the same from the government.”
If there are any criminals in the MQM, go ahead, arrest them but the MQM and terrorism are two different entities, he claimed.
Dr Farooq Sattar said following the August 22 events, the MQM took an unprecedented step of the party’s history. “We felt our responsibility without any consultation and came to the conclusion that the time had come to draw a line,” he said.
The politician said that the MQM Pakistan had no connection with Altaf Hussain and the London chapter of the party now. “We have parted ways with Altaf Hussain and the London Secretariat,” he said. “We have fully disowned and denounced the August 22 speech,” he claimed, adding that no MQM representative would attend any talk show if the process of victimisation did not stop.
Dr Farooq Sattar lamented that his party was being victimised and even women workers were being rounded up.
The senior politician said the MQM’s mandate must be fully respected in true letter and spirit.
The MQM leader said that the mandate, which the party enjoys must be admitted by heart, adding that certain individuals intend to become political rivals of the party. He said the MQM had made the choice to make its own decisions now.
Sattar said that attempts were being made to introduce 4-5 new versions of the MQM. He said that terrorists shall no longer be associated with the MQM.
Party leader Khawaja Izharul Hassan, while addressing the press conference, stated that the MQM’s mandate should be respected, adding that the mandate was there before and will remain.
On the occasion, Khawaja Izharul Hasssan demanded that the female workers of the MQM apprehended by the Sindh Police should be released. He said that such an incident never took place in Pakistan’s history.
