Kasuri meets MQM-P factions, urges them to reunite

KARACHI: The proponent of “Plus One” formula for the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, Ahmed Raza Kasuri called on MQM-P PIB and Bahadurabad groups’ leaders on Monday and urged them to reunite and end the conflict. Kasuri, the chairman of All Pakistan Muslim League (Jinnah) – an offshoot of former president General (retd) Pervez Musharraf’s party, met Farooq Sattar at his residence in PIB Colony and Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui at the MQM-P office in Bahadurabad.

Sattar and Siddiqui spearhead their respective groups since the split in MQM-P. Kasuri told media that he wanted to act as a mediator to reconcile the matters between them as their elder brother, he remarked. “Even If I have to beg before them, I will do it without any second thoughts,” he said, adding the rival political parties may benefit from the infight and this should not happen. “My relationship with the MQM is like that of Heer and Ranjha.”

Commenting on the Urdu speaking community: the Muhajirs, vote bank that MQM-P intends to represent, he said they have laid down sacrifices and played a crucial role in creation of the country. “They can never be against Pakistan,” he said, dsimissing the allegations of Indian intelligence agency RAW's funding the MQM. The overall political situation is in a whirlpool because of the MQM-P infight. “They have a pivotal position in national politics and MQM is the only party that has elevated the middle-class and the oppressed segments of the society to the legislative assemblies.” While in PIB, he said Farooq Sattar has the ability to lead the Muhajir community and if his formula is implemented, the situation can improve.