MQM’s symbol flies high above Karachi

Patang Mela was part of the party's campaign for local government elections

KARACHI: For a change, the atmosphere at a Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) event was calm and no one spoke about workers being arrested or raids by law enforcers. For a change, the grim faces were replaced by cheerful ones, as party workers, activists and supporters watched their election symbol soar high among the clouds.

At the party's Patang Mela on Tuesday, kites in hues of white, red and green soared across the clear skies amid cheers by enthusiastic women. The activity was part of its campaign for the upcoming local government elections on Saturday.



Organised by the party across the over 200 union councils and committees of the city, the largest congregation of kite-flying was held at the Jinnah Ground near Nine Zero. Kite-flying is a traditional and popular sport among the MQM's ranks, with the party's own election symbol being a kite.



"We are people from the lower and middle classes and have flown kites since we were young. Each of our workers as well as lawmakers knows how to cut kites and fly them," said a cheerful MPA Muhammad Hussain.

At the ground, which was well-stocked with food, face-painting stalls and entertainment rides for the younger children, spirited men, women and even young boys were seen trying a hand at kite-flying as they spoke about politics. Zulfiqar Ahmed, a worker, had brought his nephews and sons. "We want to cut the strings of PTI and Jamaat," he said.



Women and children were not far behind. Areej Fatima said they had realised how the lack of a local government system had adversely affected their area. "I will vote for the MQM. Only they work for the people." Getting hold of a kite, she taught her young daughters how to make it soar into the air.

Party leader Waseem Akhtar, who is contesting for the chairman position in the local government elections and is unofficially tipped as a favorite for the city's next mayor, distributed kites, their string and badges to excited men and women. Later, he flew a kite which fluttered high in the sky.  "The kite is an old symbol of the party. It is high and above everything. InshaAllah we will win on December 5."

With plenty of children around, the deadly thread, manja, was not available for kite-flying, and the kites were flown by a non-lethal white string, known as saddi.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 2^nd,  2015.