Amid the ongoing struggles and apparent failures of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) in Pakistani politics, a new development has emerged. Former MQM leader and ex-Governor of Sindh, Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ibad, has announced plans to return to Pakistan and form a new party. However, it has been reliably learned that he has demanded a guaranteed position of power before considering his return to politics.
It is widely known that those in power are aware of the MQM-Pakistan project’s failure due to its loss of public support. Even if Ishrat-ul-Ibad is offered a position, it is unlikely he would succeed. Sources have disclosed that the powers that matter in the country’s political landscape have demanded that Ibad demonstrate his following by proving his public support before they extend any favors.
This demand from the establishment led to Ibad canceling his return ticket, initially booked for August 8. Meanwhile, Amir Khan and Wasim Akhtar have returned and are holding meetings to gather workers and convince people to support them. However, powerful circles have seen the failures of both the Pak Sarzameen Party (PSP) and MQM-Pakistan and are hesitant to take a risk on another project.
Given that the loyalty of the masses still lies with Altaf Hussain, it is likely that whoever has his backing will succeed in Karachi’s political landscape. MQM-Pakistan’s performance has been disappointing, failing to make a significant impact in the last elections and unable to win over the public despite securing national and provincial assembly seats.
MQM-Pakistan also lost the legal battle over MQM International’s properties in London and has been unable to pay the £65,000 fine, which may lead to further penalties. Given MQM-Pakistan’s poor performance, the establishment is reportedly reluctant to offer anything to Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ibad without proof of public support.
In this situation, Altaf Hussain’s importance seems to be rising once again. With the apparent failure of the MQM-Pakistan project, Altaf Hussain remains the only viable option for Muhajir politics. It is also possible that some non-controversial Muhajir youth may emerge and gain Altaf Hussain’s support, leading to potential success in the next elections.
However, if the establishment continues to be at odds with Altaf Hussain, it is highly possible that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) or Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) could secure most of Karachi’s seats in the next elections, potentially signaling the end of MQM’s political influence in urban areas of Sindh, including Karachi.