MQM-P rift visible in House

'Step outside, we will deal with you,' Kamal group's MPA threatens Bahadurabad group's lawmaker

KARACHI:

A dramatic scene unfolded in the Sindh Assembly when MQM MPA Rana Shaukat Rajput stood on a point of order and claimed he had been threatened by fellow party member Shariq Jamal.

Rajput alleged Jamal told him, "Step outside, we will deal with you." He requested that police register a case and ensure his protection, warning that otherwise he would resign and join the bar, "and then see who dares threaten me."

Home Minister Zia Lanjhar termed the complaint "shameful" and said such matters should not be raised inside the House. He assured Rajput of security and warned that if any harm came to him, action would be taken against those named. Speaker directed Opposition Leader Ali Khurshidi to resolve the matter before the session ends, otherwise Rajput's membership could be suspended.

During the session on Friday, Rana Shaukat Rajput, with leaning towards the Bahadurabad group of MQM-P, expressed fears for his life from two MPAs - Shariq Jamal and Usman Engineer - who belong to the Mustafa Kamal group within the same party. Shaukat said MPAs from the Mustafa Kamal group threatened him and said: "Which group are you siding with? If you do not leave Khalid Maqbool, we will deal with you."

Following this, Rana Shaukat informed the House about the situation and requested police protection.

Home Minister Lanjar responded that if the member requested, police protection would be provided.

Meanwhile, Engineer Muhammad Usman had a heated exchange with Rana Shaukat and Opposition Leader Ali Khurshidi. In response, the Speaker suspended his membership and ordered him to leave the House.

On the Speaker's orders, police officers arrived at the assembly and recorded Rana Shaukat's statement. The session was adjourned until Saturday.

Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said the issue reflected internal party grouping and stressed that lawmakers' safety must be ensured.

After the session, MQM members met the Speaker in his chamber. According to Opposition Leader Ali Khurshidi, the matter between the two members has been resolved. Rana Shaukat will present his position in Saturday's session. On the other hand, the Speaker stated that Engineer Usman's membership will remain suspended until he submits a written apology.