Exit MQM

The MQM, after adopting an especially hostile tone against the PPP, and making all kinds of threats in the aftermath of the row over the elections in Azad Kashmir, has withdrawn from the government in both the centre and Sindh. We have, of course, seen similar actions from it in the past. This time though, the rift seems to run a little deeper and the stepping down of the Sindh governor takes things a little further than before. As acrimony grows between political entities in the country, the situation adds to the general sense of instability and uncertainty. This is not good for anyone in the country, with the political discord affecting many other aspects of life. However, the situation of the government, as far as the equation of seats goes, is unaffected. The PPP remains in a sturdy position. But there is now the dangerous possibility of a more volatile situation developing in Karachi, where things are already far from calm.

The latest developments put the PML-Q in an especially crucial position. PPP leaders will be conscious that they have done well to have forged the alliance, and prevented the MQM from being able to place it in a still more precarious position by withdrawing support. This has also happened before. Even now, we do not know what the final outcome will be. Talks with MQM leaders are on, with the PML-Q, too, playing its part. Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and his team have dealt with Altaf Hussain and his men as allies in the past and this experience may come in handy. Ideally, an attempt should be made by the PPP to bring the MQM back into the government fold, but in case that does not happen, the government is expected to survive, both in Sindh, where the PPP has a simple majority in the assembly, and at the centre, where the PML-Q’s entry into government brought the party the votes it needs to remain in power. We do not know what the final outcome will be. The scene on Pakistan’s political horizon tends to change quickly and unpredictably. Things move from one extreme to the other. Right now, the PPP stands accused of following dictatorial policies. We do not know if things will mellow out or if we will see a still greater political divide, which can only add to the complications we already face at a time when troubles stalk us on many fronts.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 29^th, 2011.