KARACHI, March 4: A major organizational and political change in the Muttahida Qaumi Movement was expected to be announced by its London-based chief Altaf Hussain in the general workers meeting scheduled for Sunday , informed sources said.

Some federal and provincial ministers and legislators might be replaced and legislators might be unseated to make way for 'fresh blood' as a result of an expected change.

The decision had been taken amid mounting criticism of some ministers and legislators within the party, and expression of displeasure by Mr Hussain during the past few months, the sources said.

The Muttahida had decided in principle to field fresh candidates on those seats from which senators, MNAs or MPAs would be unseated, said the sources. In the last workers convention, the criticism was voiced and Mr Hussain was given carte blanche to remove any minister or legislator.

According to Muttahida tradition its deputies had submitted their undated resignations to the party chief when they were given party ticket. There were reports that the MQM might replace Noman Sehgal, Aftab Shaikh and Sardar Ahmad. Faisal Malik is likely to replace Mr Sehgal.

The MQM was trying to revamp its team to meet the requirements of a change which could become inevitable if its grievances were not addressed by the chief minister, the sources said. The exercise would also lead to mobilization of workers on a broader scale particularly with an eye on next years local government elections.