Independence: MQM to contest elections without electoral alliance
Open to option of seat adjustment with likeminded parties, says Sattar.
MQM Deputy Convener Dr Farooq Sattar talking to the media on Saturday in Islamabad. PHOTO: NNI
ISLAMABAD:
The Mutthahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) announced on Saturday it will contest the upcoming general polls without a broader election alliance, except, perhaps, seat adjustments with some likeminded parties.
Addressing the media, MQM deputy convener and Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Dr Farooq Sattar said, “The MQM is an independent party with a comprehensive election manifesto and it will independently contest the elections”. However, he added the party is open to the option of seat adjustment with a likeminded party, if and when needed.
He said the MQM made an alliance with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) with the agenda of war against terrorism and extremism, strengthening democracy, economic stability and promoting the reconciliatory policy in the country.
“MQM has demonstrated itself as a mature political party and made its best contribution to achieve the targets,” he maintained.
Responding to a question, the MQM leader held the absence of community policing and local government system responsible for lawlessness in Karachi. “The menace of terrorism and extremism can be resolved if community policing and local government system is functioning well,” he noted.
He said that there was no target killing in Karachi between 2002 and 2008, because of vibrant and active community policing and local government systems.
“Terror outfits are behind the deteriorating law and order situation in Karachi with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) being the most active one,” he maintained.
According to the MQM leader, a conspiracy is being hatched to destabilise the political and economic situation in Karachi.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 3rd, 2013.
The Mutthahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) announced on Saturday it will contest the upcoming general polls without a broader election alliance, except, perhaps, seat adjustments with some likeminded parties.
Addressing the media, MQM deputy convener and Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Dr Farooq Sattar said, “The MQM is an independent party with a comprehensive election manifesto and it will independently contest the elections”. However, he added the party is open to the option of seat adjustment with a likeminded party, if and when needed.
He said the MQM made an alliance with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) with the agenda of war against terrorism and extremism, strengthening democracy, economic stability and promoting the reconciliatory policy in the country.
“MQM has demonstrated itself as a mature political party and made its best contribution to achieve the targets,” he maintained.
Responding to a question, the MQM leader held the absence of community policing and local government system responsible for lawlessness in Karachi. “The menace of terrorism and extremism can be resolved if community policing and local government system is functioning well,” he noted.
He said that there was no target killing in Karachi between 2002 and 2008, because of vibrant and active community policing and local government systems.
“Terror outfits are behind the deteriorating law and order situation in Karachi with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) being the most active one,” he maintained.
According to the MQM leader, a conspiracy is being hatched to destabilise the political and economic situation in Karachi.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 3rd, 2013.