Afaq comes out in support of MQM-Pakistan in PS-114

Muhajirs' votes should not be divided, says MQM-H leader

KARACHI: In a move that reflects the ongoing efforts among the Muhajir-centric political parties to consolidate their vote bank, the Muhajir Qaumi Movement (MQM) - Haqiqi announced on Friday its support for the Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) - Pakistan in the PS-114 by-polls.

Addressing a press conference at his office-cum-residence in Defence Housing Authority, MQM-H chairperson Afaq Ahmed said had he a vote in the constituency, he would have cast it in the favour of Kamran Tessori, the candidate fielded by MQM-Pakistan.

"I have no concern with who is contesting and who is going to win. All I care is that Muhajir vote bank should not be divided," he commented, describing the motive behind supporting a party with which his party has had violent clashes in the past in the same city.



He asked Muhajirs not to let their vote bank split and support the candidate who is contesting from the platform that promises to fight for the community's rights. "People from Sindh and Punjab are contesting in the PS-114 by-polls. Where were they when 260 people were burnt alive in the Baldia factory fire?" said Afaq.

He further said that while he had differences with the party he was extending support to, he was on the same page with MQM-Pakistan over their concerns for Muhajirs.

"Regardless of what politics the MQM-Pakistan, MQM-London and Pak Sarzameen Party play, I have affection for my community and my people return me the same. I can only repay their love by uniting them," he said.



Afaq also expressed concerns over the recent wall-chalking against Muhajirs that surfaced in the constituency. He criticised Muhajir parties for not using their manpower to clean the hateful chalking against the community.

"The acts of hurling profanity at Muhajirs must stop now. Muhajir politics is our right and we wouldn't retreat from using the name [of Muhajir]," he asserted.

Muhajirs' vote will always be for Muhajirs come what may the election results are, said Afaq. "We will prove our power in the city by holding a mammoth gathering soon. Now it's up to the Muhajirs to save themselves from being distributed," he concluded.



Later, the Rabita Committee of the MQM-Pakistan issued a statement thanking Afaq for his support in PS-114 by-election. The gesture will pave way for positive and non-violent politics in the city, the statement said.