Resignations: for now, it’s wait-and-see for Muttahida

Karachi
The Muttahida Qaumi Movement has adopted a wait-and-see policy after its lawmakers submitted their resignations from three legislatures, the National and Sindh assemblies and Senate.
MQM leaders say that unlike several reports circulating in the media, the party’s London and Karachi offices are sticking to their decision.
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has been assigned the task to persuade the MQM to withdraw the resignations. Federal minister Ishaq Dar too has approached the MQM, but the party is still refusing to budge.
MQM leaders say they had submitted the resignations as the party’s voice was not being heard and its activists were being victimised under the “garb” of the operation against criminals in Karachi, giving their legislators no reason to sit in the assemblies.
They also say that the MQM has been pushed against the wall, similar to how it was done in 1992 and under these circumstances, it was impossible for the party to continue sitting in the assemblies and do nothing for its voters who had elected its members.
When asked about MQM chief’s instructions, a senior party leader said all members were on the same page and had no reservations over the submission of resignations.
He described the raid at the MQM Landhi office as a move to create hurdles towards a possible reconciliation between the government and the party.
He added that the arrest of 12 MQM activists on Independence Day had clearly conveyed a message to them that the government had no soft corner for the party.
“The arrest of MQM activists would have far-reaching repercussions on the standoff between the MQM and government,” he said.
“We have already citied 19 reasons behind the resignations and if these reservations are addressed, there are chances of a meaningful talk with the government,” he added. “The government should issue a clear policy regarding the MQM.”