KARACHI: The 42-member-strong Central Executive Council (CEC), a new organisational body within the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), was formally introduced to the press on Sunday.
Envisaged as a think-tank of sorts, the concept of the CEC is inspired by the way political parties function in some countries. It will advise the party’s coordination committee and work on political issues.
The concept for the council was announced in March. The members, representing several provinces and areas of expertise, include Senators Babar Ghauri, Abdul Haseeb Khan, Tahir Mashhadi and Ahmed Ali, MNAs Haider Abbas Rizvi, Waseem Akhtar and Khushbakht Shujaat and MPAs and provincial ministers Faisal Subzwari and Syed Sardar Ahmed.
The diverse list also includes journalists and columnists. Ex-cricketer Sarfaraz Nawaz is part of the council as are prominent social figures from Gilgit Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Sindh, Balochistan and Parachinar in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas.
At a press conference held to announce the list of names, MQM leader Dr Farooq Sattar explained that the CEC would assist the coordination committee in structuring the organisation of the party, policy issues, propagation of party policies. It will also help in the preparation of the party’s manifesto and the organisation party programmes.
The CEC will have no chief of its own and will be overseen by the coordination committee. MQM’s Wasay Jalil said that it will also be incorporated in the party’s internal process of selecting candidates to contest national and provincial assembly elections. The council will organise its own meetings and is to meet with the committee once every three months. The first meeting was scheduled to take place on Sunday after the press conference. Jalil also said that the party, which he claims is the most organised in Pakistan, has always adopted new ideas and strategies and the CEC’s formation was part of this constant innovation.
Sattar claimed that the council was an extension of the party’s vision to fight against feudalism, corrupt politics and the concept of “dynasty politics” as well as to include people from all sections and classes of society.
“The process of rights and justice that started from Karachi University will continue until it achieves its aims,” said Sattar in reference to the MQM’s origins and its leader Altaf Hussain.
The Central Executive Council
Ajmal Dehlvi
Sarfaraz Nawaz
Pir Farzand Ali Shah
Pir Ghulam Majaddid Sarhindi
Hakim Khan Hathi Khel
Senator Babar Khan Ghouri
Syed Haider Abbas Rizvi
Raja Azam Khan
Nighat Zehri
Barrister Habibur Rehman
Anwer Iqbal Baloch
Khushbakht Shujaat
Muhammad Tahir Khokhar
Dr Laila Perveen
Syed Shamshad Jafri
Senator Tahir Mashhadi
Senator Ahmed Ali
Senator Abdul Haseeb
Khawaja Sohail Mansoor
Waseem Akhter
Muhammad Adil Siddiqui
Abdur Rauf Siddiqui
Dr Ayub Shaikh
Ghulam Haider Rahu
Faisal Subzwari
Syed Shaheen Anwer Gillani
Syed Sardar Ahmed
Ghazi Salahuddin
Ahmed Salim Siddiqui
Nisar Ahmed Panhwar
Ponjomal Bheel Advocate
Rasheed Khan Maseeh
Heer Ismael Soho
Dr Arshad Hussain Vohra
Capt. Hadi Hussain
Zahid Awan Malik
Dr Shahzad Ali Shamshi
Bisma Asif Sukhaira
Long Khan Channa
Dr Noor Muhammad Shah
Tahira Asif
Shahid Hassan Shahsawar Toori Afghan
Published in The Express Tribune, November 21st, 2011.
COMMENTS (19)
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What difference does it make to form a CEC. The decisions are made by MQM supremo and these disciples rubber stamp that. One of the commentators was impressed by 'luminaries'. Which particular luminary is he talking? The author of this article appears to be impressed by the representation from all the provinces. He should be reminded that MQM effectively does not exist in other provines except Karachi. Predominantly they are urdu speaking mohajirs and I think it would be appropriate that Mutahidah should revert to its original name to Mohajir Qaumi Movement and that is also MQM.
By creating these councils and changing names do not change its true character. For all practical purposes MQM is run by supremo who can best be defined as a mafiosi.
First you people complain MQM is still an ethnic party, then when MQM tries to expand you people criticize it and force it to remain in Karachi.
@Hairaan: I am not confused at all dear. May be you are referring to your version of history. Those who call themselves Muhajir are only a handful today. The rest are sons of the soil since they were born in brought up in free Pakistan.
Although its a good step taken by MQM. Will help them grow countrywide. I also admit the fact that they the most educated and organized party in Pakistan. Good luck MQM.
Post Mirza press conference, MQM behaved as ultra ethno-centrist party and this seems as face saving move to show Pakistan that CEC comprises of people from whole Pakistan.
Love you!.
Pakistan was created for the muslims of Sub-Continent (it covers Asaam to Khyber, Bengal to Kashmir and Himalyas to Chaman.
Its gone beyond that Mr Ali no more ethnic party any more .Now its the party of all Pakistan,If you are stereo type then no comments of mine can entertain you for sure .
This is the first of ts kind in any political party and its component members are luminaries in their own right. Congratulations.
Let the MQM start on the road to truly becoming a 'Pakistan Party' and move out from its regional complex. In the same context, the other parties in Karachi must work for the welfare of the country and needless to say, move out of their banal and parochial YOKE. This is an imperative of the times and a 'handshake' of sorts will be very much putting brotherhood in the forefront. For example, we forget our acrimonies and join shoulders when offering prayers in the masjid. Let that be the 'leading light' to show us our unified way. Like, educating Pakistanis will fortify Pakistan and brng consistent policies.
Please accept my Salam for a wonderful Pakistan
@Pareshaan: Don't confuse yourself my dear. The word Muhajir is used to refer to the people who call themselves Muhajir. If you are still not clear then read the history of MQM and its mother party APMSO.
The process of rights and justice started from Karachi University.........also ended at KU with a doctorate degree to Dr.Rehman Malik.
The committee is a response to frustration of MQM supporters over recent missteps. Unfortunately, it won't have any impact as ultimately it has to obey what Altaf bhai says and has to defend his awkward performances. Zardari has successfully produce a massive blow to MQM. How this committee was chosen is not known. No major policy shift can be expected as it is still one man show.
Look like it good bhai is leaving party sooner or later......
@Hairaan: Do you have even a minute idea of what word 'Muhajir' means? If you are referring to people who migrated from India after partition, they are present in all political parties, why then propagate hatred against a particular party? Ahsan Iqbal of Noon League (staunch punjabi party), Faisal Raza Abidi of PPP (staunch sindhi party), Munawwar Hassan of Jamaat, to name a few.
Give me one good reason as to why anybody else would join a staunch Muhajir party? Remember whenever there is a crisis in Karachi, MQM reverts back to the old Muhajir Qaumi Movement character.
what a drama, everyone knows MQM is just an ethnocentric party
@Adeel759: Is this your wish? Because if PTI's gathering was measure of their support then the last atheling MQM called definitely owed heir strength.
This proves that even core supporters are faltering for MQM's brutal, flawed and failed politics. That's why they ' trying to expand the list of their active leaders by bringing more in.