MQM asks Ishratul Ebad to resign as Sindh governor

Party sources say Ebad has no authority and power, prompting MQM to make the decision

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has requested Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad to resign as from his post.

The demand was made in a press conference at the Khursheed Begum Secretariat near party headquarters in Karachi on Monday evening.

MQM leader Farooq Sattar  while addressing the press said initially Ebad worked for the interests of the people of Sindh but his behavior gradually changed.

He cited reasons such as failure to curb extra-judicial killings of MQM workers, and a formation of a monitoring committee for the Karachi operation that contributed to the party’s policy decision to ask Ebad to resign as governor.

“Until today the monitoring committee [to ensure that Karachi operation remained impartial] has not been formed,” he said. “Unfortunately, while the high-ups did not cooperate, even Dr Ishratul Ebad completely failed in this task.”

Sattar said the MQM had a zero-tolerance policy against criminals, and wanted Karachi to be crime-free; however the focus of the ongoing targeted operation was increasingly towards his party.

According to party sources, Ebad has no authority and power, which is why the party this it's best for him to resign.

A few days ago, a seemingly enraged MQM chief Altaf Hussain announced Ebad did not have any affiliation with the MQM, and should not be considered a part of the party.

Altaf said the governor was working for the establishment and had remained silent on party killings, raids and arrests.