PSP emerges victorious amid MQM’s internal struggles

Seven MQM leaders have joined the PSP in the last 10 days, more expected to follow

KARACHI: Rifts continue to haunt the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) - Pakistan as seven more leaders have left to join the ranks of the Pak Sarzameen Party (PSP) in the past 10 days. Several MPAs are also reportedly in contact with PSP leadership.

According to sources, the PSP has capitalised greatly after the MQM split into two factions – Bahadurabad and PIB Colony. "The PSP has received greater popularity after MQM’s division than it has in the past two years," said sources, adding that the party was the greatest beneficiary of intra-party conflict that ensues amongst MQM-Pakistan leadership.

Top members of MQM's Rabita Committee are also reportedly in contact with the PSP and the party may just grab seats on the opposition benches in the Sindh Assembly as a result of these talks.

According to details, the major rift within the MQM developed over the Senate elections and intensified in the days that followed. Continuous strife and dismal performance in the Senate elections brought stress and pressure on several MQM leaders after which workers started looking toward the far more stable PSP.



The chaos resulted in three MNAs and four MPAS of the once mighty MQM joining the PSP. Sources believe that the coming days will see further change of loyalties by other MPAs, office bearers and members of the Rabita Committee.

"The PSP is the direct beneficiary of the political turmoil engulfing the ranks of the MQM’s leadership" explained sources, adding that a large number of applications to join the PSP had been received from MQM leaders, including members of the Rabita Committee, from both factions – Bahadurabad and PIB Colony.

After having a count of 14 MPAs, PSP is eyeing the opposition benches by bringing its own opposition leader in the Sindh Assembly, sources said, adding that the party had also earned support from nine MPAs representing Pakistan Muslim League - Functional. According to sources, the dissent within the MQM has caused irreparable loss to the party as both its factions are left with nothing but claims and accusations against each other. "The MQM is left with no purpose as its top leaders are only working for their personal interests," lamented sources, remarking that the past performance of PSP Chairperson Mustafa Kamal is testimony that he would be the right man to serve Karachi.



The sources added that the ensuing conflict within the ranks of the MQM is likely to compel scores of general party workers to switch to the PSP. "After MPAs, a large number of district workers representing the MQM will shift to the PSP," the sources said, adding that the splinter groups were closely observing the situation.

"Leaders of Bahadurabad and PIB are holding talks to control the situation," the sources revealed, adding that the party’s leaders are working on strategies to counter a complete breakdown.