MQM leaders warn of quitting if Altaf stays in party

ISLAMABAD: A group of senior MQM leaders had threatened to resign en bloc and leave the party immediately if in the post-Aug 22 situation there was no complete disconnect between Altaf Husain and Muttahida Pakistan.

Informed sources said that these MQM leaders in their internal party discussion had told Farooq Sattar that after Altaf Hussain’s anti-Pakistan utterances, there is no possibility for them to continue with the MQM as Altaf Hussain their leader. During these discussions, extremely harsh words were used against Altaf Hussain.

The information regarding en bloc resignation threat has not only been confirmed to this correspondent by a MQM source but has also been fed by some intelligence agencies to the government. 

However, there is no concrete evidence available to conclude if at any level there is still any understanding between MQM Pakistan and MQM London or to say that the announced “disconnect” is permanent and Altaf Hussain has been really thrown out of the party he founded.

Regarding Farooq Sattar actions and if he could be trusted, an MQM senior leader who was among those ready for en bloc resignation told The News that Sattar does not appear to be faking. “He sounds genuine and wants to save MQM and not Altaf Hussain,” the source said, adding that Sattar is doing everything that formalizes and concludes the stated “disconnect” between MQM Pakistan and MQM London.

It is argued that initially the Farooq Sattar-led MQM Pakistan was cautious to announce “total disconnect” with London fearing possible reaction from Muttahida workers. However, to their good luck there has been no voice of protest raised against MQM Pakistan or in favour of Altaf Hussain.

In the situation where there has been no word of sympathy or support for Altaf Hussain, Farooq Sattar and other MQM leaders feel encouraged to be categorical in breaking their relations with London and Altaf Hussain.