Lawmakers repose confidence in Farooq Sattar

Senators, MNAs, MPAs express concern over closure of party offices


Hafeez Tunio August 26, 2016
The MQM workers held for allegedly taking part in rioting on August 22 are being transported from the jail. PHOTO: ONLINE

KARACHI: Lawmakers belonging to the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) reposed their confidence on Friday in the leadership of Farooq Sattar, the parliamentary leader of the party in the National Assembly as well as chief of the party registered with the election commission.

The meeting, held at Ghanchi Hall, PIB Colony, which is serving as the temporary camp office of the MQM since the sealing of Nine Zero, was the first of its kind after the August 22 events.

MQM 'breaks off' from Altaf

There are a total 50 MPAs of the party in the Sindh Assembly. Around 30 lawmakers led by the leader of opposition in assembly, MQM's Khawaja Izharul Hassan, attended the meeting. Meanwhile, there were seven MNAs from a total strength of 19 and a few senators as well who showed up at the meeting. Most of the MQM Rabita Committee members and newly-elected chairmen and vice-chairmen of District Municipal Committees, including deputy mayor Arshad Vohra, also attended the meeting.



Sources privy to the developments told The Express Tribune that a majority of the lawmakers were of the opinion that there was no other option but to run the party and take decisions from within Pakistan. Despite repeated attempts, no leader was willing to talk on the record on this issue. "Altaf Bhai will remain alive in our hearts, but in the present circumstances we will have to take harsh decisions," said one of the MPAs. Another added that MQM, Pakistan, is considering the option of altering the party's constitution, which gives 'veto' powers to party leader [Altaf]. Under these powers, Altaf can set aside the rabita committee's decisions. "We are in consultation on various issues but no decision has been made yet," said another senior leader, adding that Sattar will lead the party until the rabita committee, Pakistan, takes decisions regarding the reorganisation.

When contacted for details about the meeting, party leader Aminul Haque confirmed that the meeting was held but did not provide details. "We will inform the media [about the meeting's] decision through a press conference," he said.

Offices shutdown

The party officials also expressed concern over the 'anti-encroachment drive', in which offices of the party allegedly located on amenity plots are being demolished.

Police custody: MQM leaders, activists remanded for three days

Sources said that some party leaders also discussed the option of approaching the courts if their sealed offices are not reopened. Talking to the media on Thursday night, Sattar had expressed dismay over the unilateral action being taken to demolish party offices. "If the government had issued us official notices, we would have demolished our offices by making alternative arrangements," he had said and refused to talk any more on this issue.

Police arrest three ‘MQM women’

Police officials investigating the ARY News attack claimed on Friday to have arrested three women belonging to the MQM.

Rabia Bibi, the joint in-charge of MQM’s women wing, her daughter, Ainee, and MQM Burnes Road sector member Sumaira Bibi were arrested during separate raids.

“So far, we have arrested 42 suspects. Thirty-nine of them are male while three are female,” explained investigating officer Adeel Chandio while talking to The Express Tribune.

Meanwhile, MQM MNA Asif Hasnain, who was arrested from the airport on Thursday, has been released from custody.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 27th, 2016.

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