‘Musharraf not to lead MQM-P’

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement dispelled rumours on Tuesday that former president General (retd) Pervez Musharraf would lead the party in the future.

The rumours surfaced following a meeting between MQM-P MPA Khawaja Izhar-ul-Hassan and Musharraf in Dubai.

MQM-P leader and MPA Faisal Subzwari told The News that Musharraf leading the party was out of the question and Dr Farooq Sattar would remain its leader.

He added that Musharraf had invited Hassan to dinner.

“The proposal to lead the MQM-P was presented by Musharraf and his friends. But it has been rejected,” he added.

TV channels had reported that an important meeting was held between Musharraf and Hassan, the leader of the opposition in the Sindh Assembly, wherein they discussed the country’s political situation with an emphasis on Karachi.

Hassan took suggestions from Musharraf. Hassan said the meeting was held to make use of Musharraf’s political acumen.  He added that in the current political situation, Musharraf’s suggestions might be of importance. 

The meeting was held prior to Musharraf’s departure for London.

In a statement, an MQM spokesman said Hassan had met Musharraf in a meeting of mutual friends over a meal.

The party said the country’s political situation came under discussion during the meeting and views were also exchanged with Musharraf on the development of Karachi and the powers of the local government representatives.

The MQM-P said the APML coordinator Ahmed Raza Kasuri’s statement was his personal desire and a political alliance was not under consideration.