THE MQM is under tremendous pressure, both in Pakistan and the UK, as allegations of the party’s alleged links to RAW have surfaced over the past few weeks, along with developments in the Imran Farooq murder case, putting the Muttahida on the back foot. The party has complained of being put on a media trial; this is partially true, as political opponents have used the allegations to tear into the MQM. However, the issues raised — specifically by the contents of party leader Tariq Mir’s reported confessional statement in the UK — are very serious and cannot be brushed aside. On Monday, MQM supremo Altaf Husain, while addressing party cadres over the phone, attempted to answer some of the criticism. He vehemently denied all links to Indian intelligence and trumpeted his party’s ‘patriotic’ credentials. However, one particularly grim warning from the MQM leader is cause for concern for Karachi’s people. Referring to perceived attempts to impose a ‘minus-one’ formula on the Muttahida — ie remove Mr Husain from the leadership — the party chief said that if such developments materialised, there would be “a war” on the streets of the metropolis.

Over the past few decades, Karachi’s citizens have witnessed unspeakable bloodshed sparked by political, ethnic and sectarian factors. Periods of brief calm have alternated with violent episodes that have taken a heavy toll on the city, while strikes and forced shutdowns have had a debilitating effect on normal life, as well as Karachi’s economy. Hence, this was an irresponsible statement for the MQM chief to make as it only stokes the climate of fear in the city. The Muttahida has every right to clear its name through legitimate channels if it feels it is being subjected to a witch-hunt. But to publicly predict the outbreak of violence should the party’s fortunes tumble is unacceptable. Altaf Husain should be counselling restraint to party cadres while using legal channels to prove the MQM’s innocence. Karachi has seen enough bloodletting and certainly does not need to witness any more.

Published in Dawn, July 1st, 2015

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