Another blow to MQM-P as MPA Anwar Raza jumps ship

Formal announcement to join PSP will be made at press briefing later today

KARACHI: Another Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) member jumped ship on Wednesday.

Member Provincial Assembly (MPA) Syed Anwar Raza shifted loyalties to Pak Saraameen Party (PSP).

Rifts continue to haunt the MQM-P as seven more leaders have left to join the ranks of the PSP in the past 10 days. Several MPAs are also reportedly in contact with the 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.

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.