Possible fallout of anti-Altaf resolutions

ISLAMABAD: One of the biggest blunders which former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto committed in his tenure was imposing a ban on National Awami Party (NAP) and putting their leadership in jail. Some 40 years later, we once again are talking about ban on another party. This time it is against Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM). Will it be politically right to ban a political party which enjoys public support?
The recent resolutions passed by Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa assemblies are strong and even talked about high treason case against Altaf Hussain. While the Sindh Assembly deferred the move, Punjab Assembly is likely to pass similar resolution.
However, the crucial would be any such resolution in the Senate or the National Assembly. If moved and adopted, it could increase pressure on the government, which so far is trying to defuse the situation as indicated in Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s reaction.
The PPP has clearly sided with the MQM, and this itself has made the situation more explosive as despite having differences on many issues, the People’s Party’s stance has given a sign of relief to the Muttahida.
The MQM, on the other hand, is busy in “damage control” after the speech of Altaf Hussain that he delivered hours after a senior police officer Rao Anwaar produced two MQM alleged militants involved in anti-Pakistan activities and termed them as Indian ‘RAW agents.’
To repair the damages, Altaf Hussain himself has not spoken since his last controversial speech. He may now impose restriction on himself. On the other hand Pemra has also taken serious notice and already issued media guideline for live coverage. However, it would be interesting to see whether it remain confined to the MQM and Altaf Hussain, or across the board.
MQM leadership understands the grave situation it is passing through one of the most difficult periods of its 30 years of struggle since it emerged as a student party.
Now some opposition parties like Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) and Pakistan Mulsim League-Q (PML-Q) have decided to bring resolutions in the assemblies in which they will demand ban on the MQM.
The PTI in particular is using this situation for ‘double gain.’ (1) To widen the gap between the government and establishment in case the rulers oppose the resolution against the MQM and ban demand (2) Settle political score with the Muttahida after NA-246 defeat.
The ruling PML-N may support the resolution of condemnation but may not backed any demand on imposing ban, in National Assembly or in the Senate.
Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid has already warned the PTI, saying its attempt to create a rift between the government and the establishment would not succeed.
MQM Rabita Committee, London and Pakistan chapters, in their meeting have considered some major steps to repair the damage, which may even lead to the decision that Altaf Hussain may himself decide to restrict his regular address.
The statement issued by the MQM after the meeting clearly indicates that they are facing serious pressure and are in a difficult position. Though the MQM in the past had not only supported army’s operation against terrorists but had also endorsed National Action Plan. Yet, it once again backed operation Zarb-e-Azb and importantly expressed its concern over the increasing involvement of foreign hand particularly of RAW, in destabilising situation in Balochistan and Sindh.
The statement came a day after Altaf Hussain himself issued an apology over his remarks and also praised the role of the army for eradicating terrorism.
Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) had already issued notices to at least 14 news channels along with a direction for check and balance about live coverage.
ISPR chief Major General Asim Bajwa, who had termed Altaf Hussain’s remarks as “unnecessary and unacceptable,” has already stated that they would follow the legal course, which means a case against MQM chief is under consideration.
What Altaf Hussain, perhaps, did not realise that his remarks came at a time when the army was engaged in one of the biggest battle against terrorism and his party had endorsed the NAP and supported operation Zarb-e-Azb. In a war-like situation you have to be extra careful.
However, I have my doubt that the army would like to see ban on the MQM. They certainly are not happy with some of the speeches of Altaf Hussain in the last few months and his last address in particular, but the army’s top brass also knows the political dynamics of imposing ban on any party.
What they want is complete implementation on “Karachi targeted action” across the board and would not oppose MQM’s political activities.
The controversy has not ended even after Altaf’s apology as some parties took the issue to the parliamentary forums and tabled resolutions. So, where it can lead to and whether any ban on the MQM would be in the “national interest,” or not, one has to wait and see.
Some of the parties intend to settle their score with the MQM, while other are trying to use it against the government. These include main opposition party PTI, JI and PML-Q.
Interestingly, the ruling PML-N and opposition PPP are divided on bringing resolutions. While Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has cautioned the MQM and Altaf Hussain from making irresponsible statements, he welcomed his apology. Leader of the Opposition Syed Khursheed Shah warned parties of the danger of bring resolutions against political parties in the assemblies. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif can call an all parties conference not only of political parties and people from cross section of society to formulate a ‘National Policy.’
The writer is a senior columnist and analyst of Geo, The News and Jang.