KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has officially asked Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad to resign from his post after "failing to take appropriate measures to safeguard the party's political character."

Addressing a press conference on Monday, MQM leader Farooq Sattar laid out a list of grievances with the governor, primarily revolving around his inaction at a time when the "MQM was being politically victimised."

"He [Ishratul Ibad] was aware of our workers' disappearances and target killing, and the treatment being meted out to those affiliated with the MQM. We tried to make him pay attention to these incidents but unfortunately he was unsuccessful in putting a stop to them," said Sattar.

Sattar said the operation in Karachi was initiated at the MQM's request but the operation seemed to have changed its direction. Referring to the Rangers' raid at Nine Zero in March, Sattar said no other political party's offices were raided. "The operation now appears to be aimed at damaging MQM's political clout," he added.

"The killers of our workers are still roaming free; they have not been arrested... nor does anyone release any confessional statements, nor are there any media trials, and no JITs are formed to question them."

But Ishratul Ibad, despite repeated reminders, has not been able to fulfil his responsibilities, claimed Sattar.

"If Ishratul Ibad sympathises with the masses, he should tender his resignation for not being able to do his job," said the MQM leader.

This comes just three weeks after MQM supremo Altaf Hussain said Sindh Governor Ishratul Ibad was no longer affiliated with MQM.

Speaking to a private television channel via telephone from London, the MQM chief had directed party activists against expecting any cooperation from the governor, who he referred to as a "representative of the establishment".

"[Ishratul Ibad] is not a representative of MQM," Hussain asserted, advising members of the media not to portray the governor as an MQM official.

Profile: Dr Ishratul Ibad

In a party where longevity eludes top-ranking leaders, Dr Ishratul Ibad of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement has proved that he is a survivor by being Sindh governor for the past 12 years. No predecessor of his had such a long stint in the gubernatorial office, though during this period he has had to thwart several attempts of his own party to get him replaced.

Read more: Dr Ishratul Ibad, the sole survivor.