Muttahida leaders leave for London

Published November 5, 2002

KARACHI, Nov 4: The internal crisis of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, which surfaced on Sunday night after Altaf Hussain criticized the performance of coordination committee members, has put the party’s decision vis-a-vis government formation on the hold, at least until Thursday.

To resolve the situation four MQM leaders left for London on Monday night to consult their chief.

Asked about the much awaited decision of MQM on the outcome of its negotiations with political parties and alliances, Dr Farooq Sattar said the situation was still not clear.

Most probably things will be clear after Mr Altaf Hussain addresses the general workers meeting on Thursday, a day before the convening of the National Assembly, he said.

The development has also left other political parties seeking MQM support for the top slot, in a lurch, as they cannot make their final assessment.

Those who left for London include Mrs Nasreen Jaleel, Dr Farooq Sattar, Shoaib Bokhari and Sardar Ahmed, amid rumours that the coordination committee has been dissolved and a new one would be announced soon.

But Dr Farooq Sattar, when contacted to comment on it, said the coordination committee has not yet been dissolved though according to sources Mr Altaf Hussain has invited suggestion about names of the people with unblemished track record for inclusion in the restructured committee. Dr Farooq Sattar said in London, the political situation, matters related to the formation of government and party matters would be discussed and guidance would be sought from Mr Altaf.

Dr Farooq confirmed that Mr Hussain had asked party workers to suggest names for restructuring the various tiers of the organization.

During his very emotional address Mr Hussain had expressed dismay over party performance, specially some senior members of the coordination committee and had declared that he would constitute a new committee and restructure the cadre.

His allegation that some of the members were in fact serving vested interest surprised everyone. He blamed the leadership both in London and in Karachi for not properly discharging its responsibility towards the poor and needy, family members of those activists who suffered for the party.

A section of enraged party workers alleged that opportunists and vested interest had taken over Nine-Zero and they were not available to address the problems being faced by the people.

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