MQM-P internal rifts on the mend as Sattar visits Bahadurabad HQ

Sattar says differences exist, visit motivated by IHC decision reinstating him as convener


Hafeez Tunio March 30, 2018
Farooq Sattar and Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui address a press conference in Islamabad. PHOTO: EXPRESS

KARACHI: [fbvideo link="https://www.facebook.com/etribune/videos/2265653610118319/"]

A two-month deadlock between two feuding factions of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement – Pakistan (MQM-P) witnessed progress as Dr Farooq Sattar arrived at the Bahadurabad headquarters late on Thursday night.

Sattar made the surprise visit following Islamabad High Court decision dismissing the Election Commission of Pakistan’s verdict and reinstating him as the convener of the party.

Flanked by his spouse and MNA Syed Ali Raza Abidi, Sattar was given a warm welcome by Bahadurabad convener Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Amir Khan and other senior leaders.

In his post-meeting press conference, however, he maintained that the differences still existed. He said the differences were not discussed during the meet. “The backdoor contacts and negotiations between PIB and Bahadurabad continue, but today we have not talked about it,” he said.

MQM-P infighting gives birth to third faction

“The Rabita Committee (RC) members were insisting me to visit the party headquarter,” Sattar told reporters. “Despite the differences between us, Bahadurabad is our home hence I have come here.”

He reiterated that the visit was motivated by the IHC decision restoring his leadership. “It has been almost two months since I last came here,” he said. “It was impossible for me to visit since two-third majority of the RC had removed me as the convener.”

Sattar stressed that the workers were part of the MQM-P regardless of the faction they supported.

Speaking to the media, Siddiqui said the RC had been inviting Sattar to visit the office but he [Sattar] took a long time to show up. “Better late than never,” he quipped.

He said the party was listed under his name at the ECP but both the sides “can negotiate on differences.”

“We respect Farooq Bhai and will support him every time,” remarked Siddiqui.

The parting of ways

Differences between Sattar and RC surfaced over the Senate nominees in February where the MQM-P convener was adamant on Kamran Tessori's inclusion in the top as the party's top candidate but the RC disagreed on his inclusion.

Despite attempts, the party was unable to resolve internal rifts.

Between PIB and Bahadurabad: Tessori becomes emissary

During the course of the dispute, Sattar held intra-party elections and won with a majority. On the other hand, Bahadurabad filed petitions in the ECP for the removal of Sattar as the convener by two-third majority of the Raabita Committee and replacing him with Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and challenged February 18 intra-party elections held under the leadership of Sattar – an election that he won by a heavy margin, becoming the party convener.

The ECP ruled in favour of Bahadurabad, however, Sattar challenged the decision in IHC which reinstated him as convener.

COMMENTS

Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ