Party Head: Altaf Hussain

Founded: MQM was founded in 1984

History: MQM initially focused on just the Urdu speaking/Muhajir people, who migrated to Pakistan after the independence in 1947. MQM started by attempting to represent their rights and interests in Pakistan and thus named the party Muhajir Qaumi Movement. However in recent years the party has attempted to attract national vote and changed its name to Muttahida Qaumi Movement. The party drives most of its vote bank from urban Sindh from areas of high Muhajir population.

MQM made it its first real impact in urban Sindh in 1986 in the form of the Local Bodies election. It got majority seats in Karachi and Hyderabad by defeating candidates from religious parties that had earlier dominated politics in these two cities. MQM also got its candidates elected as city mayors and has since been dominating local governments in urban Sindh. The last mayor of Karachi belonging to MQM, Mustafa Kamal, managed to create a big impact through his developmental work in the city.

Apart from urban areas of Sindh MQM bagged two seats in an election for the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly from two constituencies of refugees in July 2011, where the PPAJK withdrew its candidates in favour of the MQM nominees, after it developed differences, quitting of the PPP-led coalition government which it has rejoined now.

The party has been severely criticised for perpetration of various violent acts, however, it has denied all such allegations.

Political Stance: MQM’s political stance changed in 1997 when the party mandate adopted a more holistic approach and decided to represent the interests of the people on a national level. It vowed to work for the socio-economic development of the beleaguered people and address issues hampering their growth and development. However, its representation in non-Urdu speaking areas still remains extremely low.

MQM remains one of the most liberal political organisations of Pakistan which advocates women empowerment, protection of minorities’ rights and sustainable development.

Current Status: It currently holds fourth highest number of seats in the National Assembly while maintaining a second position in Sindh Assembly. In the current national assembly it holds 26 seats and 51 seats in Sindh assembly.

Key Persons: Farooq Sattar, Babar Ghauri, Faisal Sabzwari