Ishaq Dar and Mamnoon Hussain are welcomed with garlands at the MQM headquarters in Karachi. PHOTO: EXPRESS
ISLAMABAD/ KARACHI:
As far as alliances go, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and Muttahida Qaumi Movement may seem like chalk and cheese but even the oddest partnerships have thrived in the world of politics.
On Friday, the two parties pledged to set aside their differences as the MQM announced its unconditional support for PML-N candidate Mamnoon Hussain in the upcoming presidential election.
Sources have said that in return, the PML-N has offered the Karachi-based party a place in the federal government, which has yet to be accepted or refused by the party.
A PML-N delegation headed by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, which included Hussain and Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid, flew to Karachi to elicit MQM’s support.
The delegation, which also included local PML-N leaders, first met with Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan and Senator Babur Ghauri at the Governor House, after which they escorted them to MQM headquarters Nine Zero.
PML-N’s visits to Nine Zero are rare. Their leaders came in 1997 for a political alliance while in September 2010, Dar visited to express condolences on the murder of Dr Imran Farooq in London.
The two sides met for more than half an hour and MQM chief Altaf Hussain had a telephonic conversation with them.
“For the eradication of terrorism, we will offer unconditional support to the PML-N,” announced Altaf.
He said he considered Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his brother Shahbaz Sharif as his brothers, adding that misunderstandings were created between them.
“Let’s have a new beginning and lead the country to prosperity and development,” he said. After the meeting, Dar held a brief press conference, thanking the MQM for supporting Mamnoon Hussain.
He pointed out that Prime Minister Nawaz had always underscored the need for working with all political parties.
“To revive the economy and resolve the energy crisis, poverty, load-shedding and other major issues, the prime minister believes that everyone should work together.”
On the other hand, Hussain said, “If I am elected as the president, I won’t represent one party only. I would be the president of every party, every person.”
He confessed that since he hailed from Karachi, he would always pay special attention to it.
MQM Deputy Convener Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said that though the party offered unconditional support, it also expected the president and the PML-N to offer good governance and curb religious extremism and terrorism in the country.
“Altaf Hussain has zero tolerance for corruption. We hope that the new government addresses issues of missing people in Balochistan along with other issues.”
Before proceeding to Nine Zero, the Dar-led PML-N delegation had a meeting with Governor Ishratul Ebad.
Sources said the two sides held discussions on the presidential election. Prime Minister Nawaz also called up Ebad to request that his party support the PML-N candidate.
Sources in the PML-N said that MQM would be accommodated in the federal government and get portfolios in the cabinet.
It is yet to be confirmed how many ministries and portfolios will be given to MQM, but the leadership of both parties have finally agreed on it, said a source adding that the investigation against Altaf in London has driven MQM to support the federal government.
However, it has been learnt that PML-N has not withdrawn its decision to install a new governor in Sindh.
“After the presidential election the federal government will appoint the governor and remove Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan. The party may appoint Ghous Ali Shah for this office,” said a senior PML N leader.
JUI-F still undecided
Maulana Fazlur Rehman-led Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl is still undecided on whether to throw its weight behind Mamnoon for the election.
Fazl’s spokesperson Jan Achakzai said the decision was to be taken by the party’s central executive committee.
“The committee for some reasons could not meet on Friday thus the decision was delayed,” said Achakzai. He said the committee would meet today to finalise if the party will support Hussain.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 27th, 2013.
COMMENTS (53)
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@Uza Syed: cant thank you enough for taking up just cause of most literate and ironically most deprived and marginalized people in Pakistan. Mohajirs are askd to go back to india whenever we speak about our rights , sadly afghan mohajirs have more rights and rarely asked to go back. Well struggle goes on. MQM , most liberal forward looking , progressive and believer of meriticracy is most criticised political party.
@Uza Syed: " ........Karachi the Muhajirs the Urdu speaking “Bhaiyas” “Tilliers” “Muttarwas” “etc. etc. etc.” and our political party MQM are......."
Running out of "intellectual reasoning" and getting ready to wallow in cesspool of self pity? Or may be just another facet of "Realpolitic"! Do expect unexpected from masters of the craft!
@A Pakistani: @Hate it or lover it, you cant ignore it: @afzal:
Thank you all for explaining the phenomena that WE, the people of Karachi the Muhajirs the Urdu speaking "Bhaiyas" "Tilliers" "Muttarwas" "etc. etc. etc." and our political party MQM are. I hope that this has helped our haters and our slanderers understand us a little better. uys ought to be a little more active and write more often.
Only PTI trolls and their PPP masters have great trouble when MQM sides with PMLN, rather than with these losers. Both PPP and PTI have remained in alliance with MQM for their own purpose and then discarded it. PPP completed its 5 years tenure mostly with the help of MQM. Even now PPP has offered MQM to join Sindh Government. While PTI entered into a tacit alliance with MQM in March 2011 http://tribune.com.pk/story/135283/burying-the-hatchet-imran-calls-up-altaf-agrees-to-work-together/ During his General Pasha sponsored jalsa at Karachi on 25th December 2011, Imran Khan never uttered even a single word against MQM or against law & order situation in Karachi. PTI remained in romance till May 2013 when PTI's Lifetime Chairman Imran Khan broke the deal and started throwing venom at MQM. Grapes are Sour for PPPPTI.
@asd: "why is MQM now willing to team up with the so called JAGIRDARANS of Punjab?? I dont get it"
Better rates. They also tip handsomely!!
I have no idea why all of you guys are so surprised. It is a fact that no centre government can work efficiently without Karachi/MQM. If PTI comes into power it will also form an alliance with MQM; mark my words. I am so disappointed at all of you guys who are emitting such anti-Karachi sentiments unconsciously. First of, PTI with all the dharna just to win one seat (Arif Alvi), when constantly defaming MQM for the murder of Zahra Shahid (RIP) while giving no heat towards the talibans who killed 2 of its own MPPs in KPK. If he can ask for peace deals with Talibans who are clearly terrorists then why cant they talk with MQM? I was so eager to vote for PTI in the next election but now looking at their strategy towards the terrorists I am so giving my vote to MQM.
Lets kick in the ground reality!!!
People of Karachi will not vote for PPP and PML-N. With PPP and PML-N in provincial and federal government MQM has to make alliance with them. The party with its minority seats is on receiving end. Otherwise no funds for development and no authority which is good enough reason to make alliance with bigger parties (golden era of Mustafa Kamal is not forgotten yet). PPP has started to show its real face with hardly any development funds for Karachi and going back to 1979 local body system which Karachities detest. MQM has to protect the interest of its voters, which PPP intends to sabotage using its majority in the Province. Besides this is the Presidential election and there should be a consensus as far as I know Mamnoon Hussain is an uncontroversial figure.
Now coming to the principles, folks don't have such a short memory remember,
-Big wigs of Muhsarraf like Amir Muqam, Zahid Hamid, Sheikh Waqas are with PML N even before the elections (what principles? voters saw in the party so now they feel dejected) -PPP in bed with Qatil League and of course supported by gangsters of Aman Committee -PTI love affair with Talibaan flourishing inspite of barbaric attacks in KPK.
@Uza Syed: Same was said earlier with ppp as well. I am not sure how this can be repeated for every party in Govt. MQM aproach and agenda is very clear and evident, and it is surly not for people of Karachi.
@Ahmad Khan: MQM and urdu speaking should not be mixed. There are considrable percentage of Urdu speaking who do not support MQM.
why is MQM now willing to team up with the so called JAGIRDARANS of Punjab?? I dont get it
'Bikaoo Maal' No principles Mustaqil Qaumi Mazak
@Ahmad Khan: What an irony, whatever MQM does you guys manage to paint it a wrong doer. The politics of adjustment and setting right priorities must be apprecaited in the best national interest, it is an example for others to emulate, this is an addition of a valuable chapter in political history of not just Pakistan but for others to learn from this example. MQM does NOT act like a commodity but it works in the best interest of its people through political bargaining, isn't it what politics all about to 'give-a-bit-and-take-a-bit' a quid pro quo. Imagine the outcome of this political understanding between PML and MQM (Centre) and PPP & MQM(Sindh), it virtually guarantees revitalization of economy and a thriving Pakistan good for all its people all over. Peace, stability and economic development of Karachi stimulates development of the country so let's work together and hope for success of this national project.
@Saeed: thanks for giving the right perspective
Why are some people criticizing mqm and not pmln? It was not mqm who was against pmln, it was pmln who were against mqm. Mqm is always ready make alliance with anyone if karachi can benefit from it and that's how it should be.
The Urdu-speakers of Karachi have the highest literacy compared to others in Pakistan, but sadly, they have no principles, setting one of the worst examples in the political history of Pakistan. MQM acts like a commodity which is for sale and very easily be bought by any winning sides.
* Magic stick sweep all reality, PMLN lost his credibility but MQM gain profit and come in position to blackmail PPP in Sindh Province*
Another blunder of nawaz sharif , this is not for what people in punjab gave vote to pmln. It is now clear that PMLN and nawaz sharif are making a huge mistake by taking voters in punjab for granted, yes you can take voters of lahore for granted but not the people outside lahore in punjab who do not believe in this kind of dirty principless politics that nawaz sharif is pursuing at the moment.
@Uza Syed: yet again most academic comment
@Uza Syed: u said all i wanted to say . i am with all their moves and remain a supporter knowing that they would do utmaost for the benefit of their voters and all political activities are not for any personal gains. Jeay Muttahida
MQM makes a move which is smart, clever and yes politically cunning and its slanderer, actually its haters wish to see and call this "political prostitution". First thing first, look politics is not something that you can accurately predict, it's not science but arts. Like some Buttler or Bismark would compliment and define it, "the art of the possible, the attainable, the art of the next best". In opting to invite MQM's support and cooperation PML-N has showed its political maturity and seriousness in rebuilding our national purpose and MQM's decision reflects our, MQM's supporters and voters, love for Pakistan and our keen interest in its welfare and repair of our national fabric. All we are doing is trying our best to make it possible for our country to attain what can be achieved and making it possible to work together with anyone with anybody to make our country move forward and with it all of us. Those who don't like us are more than welcome to continue with their anti-MQM and by extension anti-Muhajir propaganda and I guess it's OK, less than fine, though. We endured all such onslaughts before and we can survive this, too.
PML-N can easily win the elections without support of MQM. But they did the right thing to reach out to MQM, a party whether we like it or not is a representative of a significant population of Karachi. If this can help bring peace to the lives of citizens of Karachi we should all support it. As far as criminality and killings are concerned it is rampant in KPK and FATA as well yet we still talk those racist murderers in KPK.
@Uza Syed: Trust me MQM knows what sharif can do. While I don't like the decision I am sure there are reasons which are for benefit of urban Sindh in particular
Now I see why Nawz Shareef did not respond to Jasmin plea.
Next 5 years of ciaos in Karachi is evident. It goes in favour to political parties in Karachi which are used and manuplated by parties local to other provinces...
Full points to MQM for exposing PMLN so well, and so early. They've not only saved their own skin, but left PMLN worthless too.
@ Saleem and others: So what is the problem if MQM has taken a good decision this time. We the urban population of sindh want to have peace and solving our problems and that can only be done by joining a party sitting in the central government and provincial govt. We have no other choice under the circumstances.
hahahahah... PMLN supporters you guys are now doomed!
The king is dead. Long live the King ? Well said Long live Ishrat Ebad once again his job has been secured. And no help to investigation by Scotland yard.
MQM has no real vision, they play as substitute fielder in all teams, as long as they get chance to play.
So MQM has finally decided to support the winning candidate and not waste it's votes on PPPPTI. It cannot be blackmailed by PPP in Sindh anymore on local bodies act, delimitations, anti-encroachment drives, peoples amn committee etc.
Unconditional support? Who are they fooling, public must be stupid to believe that line. MQM is dying to be part of the government and shame on PML N to join hands with it.
so it's always what's behind the picture....you support us,we would get investigations subsided against you.....
I don't care about it. I just need peace in Karachi
Unholy alliance. ........ Doom
Whhaaaaatt iiiss goiiing on? Maybe, Mr. Najam Sethi's proverbial 'chirya' has the answer. Yes? Salams Quote: "If all else fails, birdie the last." Adam Derek Scott (Brainyquote.com/)
@Sodomite: What made you select such an abominable calling card?
@Asad@NYC: The late, great PM, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, preferred to say, "Politics makes strange bedfellows." Living in New York, which mayoral candidate are you going to vote for? Not Anthony Weiner, I hope.
Salams to Pakistan.
Embarassing moments for PMLN supporters... and now the fall of PMLN begins which is already going down the drain..
@Asad@NYC:
I think MQM will not consider it as political prostitution.
They might take it as political Bigamy, that way it sounds more legal provided the law of politics support bigamy...
@Uza Syed: "Great politics! Let them learn a bit of ‘Realpolitik’ —— hey, I like it, especially because I do identify myself with these smartest of the lot in Pakistan......"
There is difference between being "Smart" versus being "Cunning and Wicked." I would grant that MQM is way above "Smart;" they are my Gurus! How else would you claim the ownership of Dr Imran Farooq and Azim Ahmed Tariq? Oops......almost forgot that laying claims has been your forte since 1947!!! Never mind. Obviously "Conscience" has been truncated to just Con and used as a multi purpose device; including a contraceptive device, donned when needed. That's the reason I have changed my "qibla " to 90 and Edgware Road! I have learnt a thing or two from my "Pir o Murshids." Congratulations and let's enjoy the moment!!**
Now that we already have a comment from uza syed im still waiting for one from Ayesha M. Part of the official Mqm self praising team.... It really does require talent (read naiveness) to overlook the reality and find the wierdest of logic in the most illogical things.
@Asad@NYC: Prostitution is not UNTOUCHABLE in Politics of the sub continent.
@Asad: "Political Prostitution???" To label that is a gross misunderstanding of political process in general, and of coalition politics in particular. First of all, MQM is not in the government in Sindh. Even if it were, supporting PMLN's candidate would not have been tantamount to conducting the world's oldest profession. MQM is an ethno-centric political party representing a considerable segment of urban Sindh. It has national aspirations in which it will never succeed. MQM's primary objective is to represent its' constituency and keep their interest at heart in decisions such as these. Taking a move amenable to PMLN in the hope of forming a political alliance down the road would be mutually beneficial and desirable. That's the nature of parliamentary democracy and the move is in keeping with it. I am not an MQM supporter per se, and am usually critical of them, so bear that in mind while reading my comment.
@Asad@NYC: "So, MQM is in government in Sind with PPP and in center with PMLN. If not this then please define what else is political prostitution?"
It's called "Muta'a."
@Asad@NYC: boy they arnt a part of the sind government
Where is Ayesha M??? I want to know in what convoluted way she will justify her quaid taking this step? I would like to know how she feels about her 'great leaders' joining forces with the people they claim to be the root cause of all evil in Pakistan?
As for the rest of us reasonable people, we all know what is going on. Sharif has agreed not to hand over the the two main accused in Imran Forooq's killing because it will certainty mean that a certain someone will languish in jail for his whole natural life!
After making fun of MQM and its leadership PMLN has gone to the same party to beg for mercy?
i am proud i voted for pti
So, MQM is in government in Sind with PPP and in center with PMLN. If not this then please define what else is political prostitution?
Anxiously waiting for PML-N trolls to defend this.
We will be happy with any politics that brings a stop to Karachis violence. PLease bring peace to my city.
OOps! Very sad.
Great politics! Let them learn a bit of 'Realpolitik' ------ hey, I like it, especially because I do identify myself with these smartest of the lot in Pakistan. Jeay, MQM and its politics, ever flexible and ever ready to accommodate and adjust itself to the need of the country and people, especially us, its supporters and its voters. I don't trust Nawaz or his league but I do trust my MQM's insight, vision and accumen. This is a party of smart folks and I like to count myself among them as a small admirer of their political strategy and their propensity to take a right decision at a right time. Hopefully, they have negotiated hard and we will retain our governor Ibaad here and bargain a couple of important ministries in Islamabad. Good job MQM, go on !
MQM likes laps; before elections they were in PPP's, now they will be in PMLN's. Perhaps a few may choose to sit in PPPs in Karachi at the same time. Way to go Man. I love it.
Disgusting. I had to see this day!!! I thought Char-Lottay's were sufficient, now I need to get more. Maybe Lottay Dozen.