KARACHI: Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain has directed all MQM parliamentarians to submit their resignations to the party's deputy convener Nadeem Nusrat, Express News reported on Wednesday.
There are 24 MQM MNAs and 7 Senators in Parliament.
“I give all assemblies one week to improve their functioning, the MQM chief said, adding that the Parliament is “full of drama”.
Earlier during the day, it was reported that the MQM chief was upset with "irresponsible" party leaders as well as the ongoing political crisis, and he said that he will request his supporters to relieve him of party leadership, a press statement on MQM website said.
For this purpose, Altaf has summoned all party members and sector incharges for a session at the Lal Qila ground in Karachi. The meeting is scheduled for 6pm today.
Later on, MQM postponed the general workers meeting till Thursday 6pm.
According to the press statement, the party chief is unhappy with the irresponsible and selfish behaviour of MQM's top leadership.
In his brief announcement, Altaf also stated that the country was in a sensitive state which saddens him immensely.
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Good step to build pressure , some one feeling for awam, awam only suffering and best thing is to hold free fair elections, transparent efficient setup , no room for corrupt mandate stealing
In his latest address, he wants to be relieved of his duty to lead his Party. This time his health is really a concern and he won't be able to carry on for long. Thus, he has asked his workers to choose a successor. But no one can really replace him and that is a bad omen for MQM, which can never remain united without Altaf. All in all, this means the beginning of the end of a united Muttahida.
Altaf has never really swims with the national tide.
Altaf Hussain is the best All rounder politician.
I am a voter of MQM, but I will never like it supporting these lunatic dharna crowd.
I am with parliament and not with the short-sighted script writers. Bhai should support parliament at all cost.
ET: Please post "Earlier during the day, it was reported that the MQM chief was upset with “irresponsible” party leaders as well as the ongoing political crisis, and he said that he will request his supporters to relieve him of party leadership, a press statement on MQM website said."
Will you really resign, Mr. Altaf or take a U-Turn once again. We have been living on your promise but know that we did not believe For had we not died of ecstasy if we had believed you
MQM legislators, not workers.
@Adeel Pervaiz: In the event of Altaf's resignation, is it really true that Musharraf will lead a party, which is accused of terrorism?
Smart move............now lets see if the domino effect kicks in.
What most of us don't realise is AH's influence or threat whatever way you describe it. His one-week deadline will work and all dharnas in Islamabad will end peacefully through dialogue - just like how the movement restrictions in Lahore were removed for marches about 20 days ago. In any case, there are not many people left in dharnas. Leaders are now watching TVs in their containers.
This is the time for Altaf Hussain to prove whether he is establishment's pawn or a true democrat!! He should keep the matter of his two partymen in the custody of ISI separately.
@ Zulfiqar, At least he has the decency of offering his resignation when his leadership is questioned , unlike other politicians who wouldn't even bother to give it a thought. you guys have become immune to immoral and corrupt public leaders, No wonder Pakistan Today is in a state where nobody cares for nobody except themselves, with the exception of few.
As expected the workers convention has been postponed. Probably an 'understanding' has been reached about Cabinet 'reshuffle' in Sindh and in Islamabad. So no need for resignations or conventions.
@Adeel Pervaiz: "that Party leader will resign and Musharraf will be there new Party Leader." These two are the faces of the same coin. Yeah, one is sitting in London dreading the legal cases and the other one in Karachi now and dreading that he may be sent to jail for treason. Is there any clean leader in the MQM who could take over?
I really admire Altaf Bhai for keeping his Tehrik and party intact. It is not easy. I also feel that he is extremely loyal to the country and he really knows what is happening. He warned about Talibinization long time back, and now facing these types of remarks because he belongs to a middle class society. … Unfortunately, most of us addict of corrupt system and verbal commitments
Now I Lost my Trust on IK Movement ......
@Latif_Sindhi: Name one thing he has done for Sindh or Pakistan that benefits everyone?
Another interesting move from "hidden hands" behind PTI & PAT! Since Imran and Qadri have failed to make an impact, now MQM will become a third player in the ongoing drama to de-rail the current government!
@MAD: Two words: Model Town
Altai Bhai you are trying In vain to put life in a dead body at the cost of your reputation as a successful bargainer. No you are at the wrong side if history believe me if you really care for the feelings of civil society -up-country. I don't want to see you as loser.
PLAN B !!!
I am 1000% sure its all your drama.
Things are going exactly as per the script!
Altaf Bhai gets another life. I must at least admire if not salute AB for prolonging his stay as Head of MQM which he is enjoying for decades in any case and he has invented a completely new tactics to continue as Head not through election or nomination but 'manipulated resignation' which his workers do not accept and instead demand 'We want AB' and hence his tenure is automatically extended and this will be on air till his last breath. You have proved too intelligent I must say which none else can claim including Imran or Nawaz or Zardari for that matter.Iqbal Hadi Zaidi / Former Diplomat / Kuwait / zaidiformerdiplomat@hotmail.com
It has been realized by players that it is difficult to win the war only with conventional weapons. Now It is time to use Weapons of Mass Destruction.
Now it will be a game changer.....
Enough is enough..this time round MQM workers should call Altaf Bhai's bluff and politely agree and accept his resignation and spare him to spend remaining part of his life peacefully in some high security 'place' in UK ...otherwise the departed souls of Imran Farooq. Azim Ahmed Tariq and countless others will always remain restless and continue to cast evil curse on the people Karachi
Oh a new drama seems unleashing... no body will resign
If Musharraf becomes party leader which he should , then it will be an interesting compitition for burger votes. Or will they make a colation of PTI and MQM?.
hmm nice decision... He has good heart but he is a PR disaster.
One day every one will have to retire from their respective jobs and duties, so if, it is very necessary to quit, then please formulate a committee to run the affairs of MQM, because it is need of the era, specially for the people migrated from India.
@Latif_Sindhi: Special mention needs to be made. It isn't easy to lead a party to such phenomenal achievements, all the whilst living in a special haven due to 'security concerns'. Security concerns in districts governed by this individual himself. Honestly, he has achieved so much. The places he has governed are pieces of heaven on earth - but only for residents who can't buy their way out. One word; Despotic.
He will never retire. These are his stupid tactics of getting attention. Believe me he is going no where
I have gone through all comments but @Khurram your comment was awesome........
Unlike many other political leaders, Altaf Hussain belonged to a middle class family and thus he stood up alone against the unjust procedures and inequality. He fought for justice and focused on education as the main factor for success. Unfortunately some party workers are going against his ideology and thus this irresponsible behavior is annoying him. Altaf hussain is a great leader and Right Man for our nation.
if he resigns, who will entertain us in future?..AB should provide us his suitable replacement...we can't live w/o fun
This is a sign of regret. He is repenting on supporting two fake revolutionary thugs and their mentors. Be careful next time please.
It would add some more spice in an era of special political entertainment. I bet, he'd continue with his role of party head, after his drama is over.
@The View:
The ex-cricketer is way better than British nationals pretending to have 'concern' about Pakistan's future. I wonder if these British nationals would ever be able to establish peace in Karachi let along bringing development in the metropolis.
It would add some more spice in an era of special political entertainment. I bet, he'd continue with party head, after his drama is over.
@Naamaloom Afraad: "That is a good decision. Please go ahead.."
Many retire due to health problems. In this case it is true.
He will request to resign again and again.The crowed will request him not to resign again and again, after some drama he will step back on the basis of insist from worker....
Well Guys, whatever you say, Altaf Hussain is really ill and he is frequently admitting in hospital, I think He realized that he cannot control his party like he was doing since last 25 years, so that could be a reason to leave the leadership.
And we were also listening this news since last 2 years, that Party leader will resign and Musharraf will be there new Party Leader, so Let's see what goes there .
Altaf feeling attention starved... again!
That is a good decision. Please go ahead..
Two Words: Pervez Musharraf
If it really happens then we all should profoundly thank UK police...
AB never cease to amaze. Everybody knows the outcome of this evening's show yet many will watch it...
I feel sorry for the people of Pakistan who get ex cricketers pretending to be "leaders" and who give sermons to their herds rather than showing half way evolved psychological sophistication. What a combination of clowns and narcissists dominating Pakistani politics!
The party will lose its momentum if he resigns. He has announced in the past to resign only to be vehemently assured that all will be well. In fact, he should concentrate on shuttle diplomacy between UK and Pakistan to get a fair idea. If politicians that have FIRs registered against them can be sitting aplomb in the assembly, then why can't he come back to Pakistan? Pakistani politicians and citizens need a very serious rethink on their nationhood, devoid of caste and racial differences. Salams
I am imagining what if workers allow him to leave party leadership. It must be fun.
Altaf Bhai is son of Sindh and He always worked for Sindh and Pakistan but there are many black sheep within his party who are using MQM as platform to get benefits, extortion, corruption and work as Mafia style Dan. This is not teaching of Altaf Bhai, such elements are bringing bad name to party and Sindh. Altaf Bhai should not resign but instead, relieve all those elements from within party. AltafBhai also focus on party organization in rural Sindh. His Karachi based leadership hardly cares about rural Sindh issues, they just try to enjoy Govt perks and privileges, they are ministers in Sindh Govt and what are they doing for Sindh? Accountability is needed.
"No Bhai We Need You." chants the crowd. And Bhai goes back on his word again.
This guy is such a tease!
Great comedian and Oscar winner AB will again perform today... I don't want to miss his show, it would be a real fun.....
Thank you Altaf Bhai, no need to ask anyone. You can simply resign. In this age, you should not take tension. InshaAllah Pakistan will survive.