Rival MQM factions on verge of breakthrough?

Sattar, Siddiqui set to meet following telephone conversation

Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) chief Farooq Sattar and MQM-Bahadurabad leader Khalid Siddiqui are set to meet today (Thursday) following a telephone conversation.

According to Express News, Sattar called Siddiqui. Over the call, Siddiqui said the Rabita Committee wanted to meet Sattar. Siddiqui added that if Sattar was more comfortable coming to them then the committee was also content with that. Sattar, in turn, said he had no qualms about a meeting being organised.

Sources said the Bahadurabad faction will schedule a meeting today. A breakthrough is expected, it has been widely speculated. Sources said a meeting scheduled for earlier could not be held due to unforeseen circumstances. It is being speculated that the meeting will be organised at a neutral venue.



Earlier on Thursday, the Islamabad High Court suspended the recent  Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) decision of removing Farooq Sattar as convener of Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P).

Babar Sattar, counsel for Sattar, argued that the ECP had no jurisdiction over internal party matters. “MQM-P is officially listed under Farooq Sattar’s name at the ECP,” he added.

“If another person claims ownership of the party, they are to approach a civil judge. The ECP can’t hear such cases,” Babar added. “If required, we are willing to hold the intra-party elections again,”he said.