Sattar, Ibad agree to move past differences, work together

Two MQM leaders identify ‘political vacuum’ in Karachi, decide to finalise future strategy in next meeting

Former Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) convener Dr Farooq Sattar and former Sindh governor Dr Ishratul Ibad met in Dubai on Saturday and agreed to move past all previous differences and progress forward on the political front.

The two former party mates developed a consensus in playing their role to fill the “political vacuum” in Karachi and urban Sindh, and move past any differences that they may have had in the past, sources privy to the development told Express News.

During the meeting, they also agreed to revive and intensify contacts with other political leaders of the metropolis and the province in general.

Both Ibad and Sattar also agreed to finalise a political strategy in the next meeting, details of which are to be announced later.

Speaking on the occasion, Ibad, the longest serving governor in the country’s history, suggested putting bitter memories of the past behind and move forward together for the collective national interest.

He pointed out the political vacuum in Karachi, leading to the absence of a leadership role that the country required.

Also read: MQM-P hints at parting ways with govt

Agreeing to his views, Sattar remarked that the nation can only be dragged out of despair by utilising a positive mindset, with a direction be set for political progression in the future. He further observed that a joint struggle could help resolve the issues being faced by the country.

The development comes two weeks after the MQM-P leadership hinted at party’s separation from the PTI-led federal government, as well as vying for snap elections.

Speaking at a meeting of MQM-P Rabita Committee on October 25, Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said the party had joined hands with the government of Prime Minister Imran Khan to save democracy. "If democracy can survive without us, then we can leave the government,” he remarked.

"Not only should the government and the army but the whole nation be on the same page," he said and went on to add that if the nation needed, early elections should be held.

“If the vote does not speak, then the road will speak,” Siddiqui warned, saying Pakistan was passing through a grim situation. He pointed out that inflation was skyrocketing owing to mismanagement of the incumbent rulers.