Undemocratic forces conspiring to snatch Karachi from MQM: Altaf

E-Paper | June 13, 2026

LONDON/LAHORE: Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain accused "civilian governments and undemocratic forces" of "joining hands to employ legal and illegal tactics to snatch Karachi away from the MQM", according to a statement posted on the party's website.

The remarks were made in a telephonic address to MQM Punjab President Senator Mian Ateeq and the MQM Organising Committee during which Hussain said, "Civilian and non-civilian governments have allied to jointly conduct operations to put an end to the MQM repeatedly."

The MQM supremo said Pakistan's civilian and non-civilian institutions had not learnt any lessons even after the MQM's "historic NA-246 victory" in the by-elections for the hotly-disputed constituency earlier this year.

He added that these institutions had left no stone unturned in order to defeat the MQM during the by-elections, and said, "No one can capture Karachi by means of conspiratorial tactics."

Earlier this week, the MQM supremo accused Director General Sindh Rangers Major General Bilal Akbar of violating the army's code of conduct, following which, multiple First Information Reports were lodged against him ─ for what the government regards as 'inflammatory speech' ─ in various parts of Sindh.

“We are not against the army; we are against the rotten eggs in the institution... Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif should save Pakistan and throw out the rotten eggs who have embezzled billions of rupees like civilians,” he had said.

Last week, as the Rangers' stay in the province was set to expire, Altaf demanded a referendum to gauge support for the paramilitary force's presence.

The Sindh government extended the special policing powers assigned to Rangers in Karachi for a month, rather than the usual four months. The DG Rangers tweeted that the force would continue the "Karachi Law Enforcement Operation ... till its logical conclusion is achieved."

Our readers are at the heart of everything we do.
Do you have a thought to share or a way we can improve? We’d love to hear it. Reach out to us at feedback@dawn.com.

Pakistan

11 arrested in Karachi for slogans, flags supporting MQM founder Altaf Hussain

MQM-P delegation calls on PM Shehbaz ahead of budget; party leader says Rs20bn allocation sought for Karachi projects

CM Murad approaches PM Shehbaz for restoration of curtailed water supplies

Maqsood

Jul 15, 2015 09:38am

Kindly free the Karachi from MQM ocupation.

Recommend 0

Ayyan (Super Hero not Super Model)

Jul 15, 2015 09:40am

Summary of over 30 years rule of MQM at Karachi: 1- Declined law and order 2- Uncontrolled urbanization 3- Lack of basic amenities - Currently shortage of water and frequent power outages 4- Failure to maintain face of the city - China cutting, land grabbing, zero scenic work 5- Failure to create jobs or supportive trade and industry environment Only Bhatta, Fittra, Hide grabbing, Hours long telephonic addresses etc. etc.

Recommend 0

Khan-Haqiqi

Jul 15, 2015 09:55am

@Maqsood that's the misconception you have people in Karachi will give note and vote to MQM

Recommend 0

M Jamal

Jul 15, 2015 10:06am

When MQM was allowed to govern Karachi from 2002 to 2007,it was the best period of Karachi and Pakistan when the allocated funds were properly utilised with minimum corruption and the growth was excellent.Karachites know this very well.The period after 2007 till date is self evident as this is the height of bad governance minus MQM.We must ensure that Local governments are allowed to work immediately and mandate of the winner to be respected.This is how civilised nation are functioning.

Recommend 0

Bhai Jan

Jul 15, 2015 10:09am

And Baldia Factory fire killing 250 workers is still coveted under the influential people who are protecting the criminals.

Recommend 0

Abdullah

Jul 15, 2015 10:14am

I never knew that MQM owned Karachi......wow Amazing what MQM has done with Karachi and people of Karachi when they claim to "own" Karachi...wondering what they would do if they did not own it.

Recommend 0

Hashim

Jul 15, 2015 10:16am

What does he mean by "snatch" Karachi from MQM?? His statement clearly indicates that MQM is more of an occupying and mafia group rather than a political party. The government and security forces should take note of the meanings if this statement and free the city from the clutches of this mafia.

Recommend 0

Akil Akhtar

Jul 15, 2015 10:17am

That is the problem with our politicians and especially MQM....they think they own the city.

Recommend 0

Akil Akhtar

Jul 15, 2015 10:17am

@Maqsood Well said that is exactly the mentality of MQM they think they own it.

Recommend 0

Farah

Jul 15, 2015 10:20am

What do you mean by 'snatch Karachi'? You're not the owner of Karachi.

Recommend 0

Akil Akhtar

Jul 15, 2015 10:22am

I am born and Bred in Karachi and have seen both Pre MQM and post MQM era ......I for one would like to live in a Karachi belonging to all Pakistanis living there not just one community.

Recommend 0

Maxx.

Jul 15, 2015 10:34am

...rather trying to free Karachi from MQM clutches...almost there.

Recommend 0

N.S

Jul 15, 2015 10:42am

Rangers are doing it right...there is a difference between fascism, coercion, killings, extortion and a genuine political party. The sooner they get this party out of Karachi, the better. After the rangers operation, situation have massively improved and people are having a sigh of relief...killers decimated and on the run.

Recommend 0

vicky

Jul 15, 2015 10:42am

Altaf is a true leader and under his able leadership the Karachi will be liberated from rotten eggs .....

Recommend 0

Yasir

Jul 15, 2015 10:43am

In my views the MQM is not working in favor of pakistan.

Recommend 0

Mirror on the Wall.

Jul 15, 2015 10:45am

As Jinnah said every new government is going to be worse than the preceding government, after 67 years this still holds true. MQM blames others, others blame MQM. We as a nation are drowned in what we have created, and we call it homeland. No wonder all Pakistani leaders prefer to have a residence in London. How many British politicians would love to live here in Pakistan, not one. Why did we wish to have independence when we do not wish to behave as a responsible people. When our leaders invest their time and money in England, what is there really to prove.

Recommend 0

N.S

Jul 15, 2015 10:53am

Living in London he doesn't know the ground realities about today's Karachi. MQM is the most hated party in Karachi now.

Recommend 0

Proud Pakistani

Jul 15, 2015 10:57am

"Snatch Karachi from MQM". I dident know that MQM owns Karachi?

Recommend 0

Common Citizen

Jul 15, 2015 11:02am

Although I want peace in Karachi but not like this. This is clearly visible that only MQM is being targeted for Karachi as if the whole country has no corruption going. Allowing Rangers to stay only in Karachi huhh what a joke. Its evident that everyone wants their share in karachi and that is why all this is going on. But mark my words, all this will only strengthen MQM more. People are not blind they can see and feel the discrimination.

Recommend 0

Nizamuddin Ahmad Aali

Jul 15, 2015 11:03am

My observation is that lower ran members of rangers are rude and crude mannered when dealing with civilians in Karachi, which irritates the public. I am sure senior officers are unawre of it.

Recommend 0

asim

Jul 15, 2015 11:08am

NA246 MQM won by great margin. Thats what people of Karachi choose for themselves. Why establishment cannot accept truth. There is no doubt that many people got grievances with MQM and many of them are true but why only MQM is blamed for everything. Could anyone give guarantee that media ,judiciary LEA are free from bad people so is MQM. Let is live guys. We llove this country like any other people do but please do justice dont try to push us to walls.

Recommend 0

Saad S.

Jul 15, 2015 11:08am

Karachi is no one's personal property. Karachi must be free from criminals and their supporters no matter which party they belong to.

Recommend 0

Malik

Jul 15, 2015 11:18am

COAS should be made accountable for the mess in karachi

Recommend 0

Muhammad Zeeshan

Jul 15, 2015 11:26am

While the provincial governments Sindh in particular never stops in federation encroaching on their rights, they conveniently keep on usurping the rights of the third rail of democracy i.e. the local governments. That's the branch of government whose effects is most seen or felt by general public. In US for instance, there is a Senate at the state (or provincial) level to safeguard rights of all units. However, nothing of that sort exists in Pakistan and there should elected local governments.

Recommend 0

no comments

Jul 15, 2015 11:32am

@Khan-Haqiqi why are you turning blind to all of this? cant you see anything? I am muhajir and i know how this crook mqm is!

Recommend 0

M Jamal

Jul 15, 2015 11:44am

We must believe in one person one vote and this has universal acceptance.Karachi population being in the top 5 cities of the world must be allowed to be governed by the elected mayor with Local governments.Non civilised system of Central rule and non localisation has ruined Karachi.Only ownership and governance by the resident of Karachi will solve the problem.Let the will of Karachites prevail.

Recommend 0

A Shah

Jul 15, 2015 11:58am

Sir we are with you. Atlaf is the only honest politician left in Pakistan

Recommend 0

masood

Jul 15, 2015 12:15pm

@Saad S. yes Saad is very right. Let's make Karachi free from culprits, robbers, land grabbers, & likely other ... no matter from where they belong to . Karachi is not being looted by any one party workers, it is all communities which are involved to these crimes.....

Recommend 0

Abu Maysoon

Jul 15, 2015 12:20pm

Karachi belongs to the people of Pakistan.

Recommend 0

Kaku

Jul 15, 2015 12:22pm

Save lives, time and money

Recommend 0

AQJ

Jul 15, 2015 12:35pm

That sounds obvious hatered for masses who always vote for MQM. I dont know how people comment to get rid Karachi from its main party who really owns the city. We have seen Karachi's law and order at the time when total governance was under MQM. Independent proviences in country is ultimate solution..

Recommend 0

Ali

Jul 15, 2015 12:37pm

Alas! if any party was sincere with Karachi they would not let it be in the condition it is in, right now.

Recommend 0

Euro

Jul 15, 2015 12:39pm

"Snat h Karachi from MQM"? Karachi was not MQM's to start with. Karachi is Pakistan's.

Recommend 0

Umer

Jul 15, 2015 12:46pm

@M Jamal Wrong, this was the best time in other parts of Pakistan too. For example Lahore was best too. It doesn't mean Q-League was good. It means Musharraf made sure there was no big corruption.

Recommend 0

Zahir

Jul 15, 2015 01:00pm

Kindly get the HELL OUT OF OUR LIVES! It goes for all politicians!!!

Recommend 0

Musleh Uddin Ahmad

Jul 15, 2015 01:05pm

Whole of Pakistan has stakes in KARACHI. If Pakistan and all Pakistani wish to live in peace and respect, they all collectively - irrespective their origin and birth - have to ensure that rule of law and good governance is practiced. Unless it is ensure, chaos will prevail, economy will be hurt, employment opportunity will cut down giving rise to corruption, lawlessness, street crime, federal budget deficit, more borrowing from IMF/World Bank - repeating the economic story of Greece. Just decide if we want it that way. If not, BE FAIR TO ALL THE PEOPLE OF KARACHI. Don't let them suffer at the hands of KE, Water Board, SSGC and other anti-social civic agencies SUPPORTED BY MAFIA.

Recommend 0

ROY

Jul 15, 2015 01:09pm

Compare Karachi before and after MQM. You will get the logical answer. The demands of MQM for waiver of quota system are justified since it snatches rights of many persons. Govt shall adjust/subsidize rural backwardness in some other way. MQM could not give mass transit/metro system to Karachi. People hanging on roofs of buses are visible to every one at evening time. Hate crimes and disliking among mahajor and non mahajor communities exceeded after MQM. Law and order situation got worsened after MQM. So far MQM could not give better life to a general mahajor. Only party activists took benefits under fear and extremism umbrella.

Recommend 0

rahat

Jul 15, 2015 01:09pm

@M Jamal There has never been best period of Karachi after 1984 when MQM was founded. The lights of karachi faded away only ghunda raaj has ruled Karachi since then.

Recommend 0

Saim

Jul 15, 2015 01:20pm

Hate speeches must end

Recommend 0

Dr faizan

Jul 15, 2015 01:24pm

The most undemocratic cult is mqm itself... Karachi belongs to Pakistan, not thugs and murderers.

Recommend 0

Harmony-1

Jul 15, 2015 01:36pm

@Khan-Haqiqi - Why vote who support criminals and criminal activities?

Recommend 0

Asim

Jul 15, 2015 01:44pm

@Dr faizan ...Well said Dr. sb

Recommend 0

Maqsood

Jul 15, 2015 01:48pm

@M Jamal That was dictatorship period.

Recommend 0

Expat

Jul 15, 2015 01:51pm

If accusing someone can get 50 odd FIR's registered against you then there is something seriously wrong here.

Recommend 0

Sab Se Pehle Pakistan

Jul 15, 2015 02:02pm

The more conspiracies are hatched against MQM. The more people of urban sindh will support MQM. Now urban sindh has clearly seen how important MQM is for them and minus MQM what will happen to them. No one even pays attention to these fake allegations and fake media trial. If anything this has done is increase the support base of MQM and gelled urban sindh together.

Recommend 0

Hussain

Jul 15, 2015 02:27pm

Why Altaf Hussain and MQM are not suing against BBC recent report? BBC report leveled serious allegations on India and MQM and none of the parties has filed any case in UK. MQM are always ready to shut down Karachi because of weak system in Pakistan. But they dont dare to file a case against BBC because they know they are criminals.

Recommend 0

M Jamal

Jul 15, 2015 02:27pm

If we love our country then please push for local governments with elected mayor to run the city.This mess is due to non functioning of elected Local Governments for the last seven years and responsibilities lies on the Central and Provincial governments for their ulterior motives.Can anybody explain why there is no Local government in Karachi and where are the development funds of the city.There shouldn't be biased comments but we must find positive solutions for our problems.

Recommend 0

Pakistani

Jul 15, 2015 02:30pm

@M Jamal - Jamal bhai, you are saying that MQM is out of government since 2007, and was not part of any provincial or federal cabinet, its members were not enjoying the privilege of being ministers? Please stop this non-sense.

Recommend 0

Tsriq

Jul 15, 2015 02:31pm

Thank goddess

Recommend 0

nac Paris

Jul 15, 2015 03:30pm

What does Altaf mean by referring to an election held in his stronghold where the outcome was no secret or surprise. Is trying to threaten the Government and Army of civil war? He should realize that MQM is more ROTTEN EGGS than whole of Pakistan

Recommend 0

Amir Malik

Jul 15, 2015 03:44pm

Altaf Hussain is correct. My own brother just quit rangers and I got similar remarks from him. I am PUNJABI from MQM but fully support Altaf Bhai and his MQM. We must accept them b4 its too late

Recommend 0

Waseem

Jul 15, 2015 04:05pm

That is the whole of problem MQM considers Karachi a territory and estate, rest of the country considers Karachi a victim of iron fist, and no one bothers to know what karachi needs, typical of occupation and aggression mindset from all sides

Recommend 0

khanm

Jul 15, 2015 04:34pm

Altaf bhai no one is going to snatch away Karachi from you... just like no can snatch Pakistan from zardari and Nawaz sharif....

Recommend 0

sheikh ali

Jul 15, 2015 04:34pm

I agree with MR. Altaf Hussain.

Recommend 0

Ali Tahir

Jul 15, 2015 04:35pm

Excuse me Mr Altaf, Was Karachi a Property of MQM that it is to be snatched from you people by Conspirators. Please explain....

Recommend 0

Ali Shah

Jul 15, 2015 04:40pm

"snatching Karachi from MQM". Looks like Karachi is the property of MQM that's being snatched from them. Shows the mentality of the political leadership of our country.

Recommend 0

NASR

Jul 15, 2015 04:46pm

Joining hands to employ legal and illegal tactics to "snatch Karachi away from the MQM" It should have been "Snatch MQM from Karachi"

Recommend 0

Keti Zilgish

Jul 15, 2015 05:03pm

Pakistanis have made such a mess out of this place that now they do not know where to begin when they want to get themselves out of this mess. Law and Order are constitutional problems and the "basic structure" of our federal constitution is at fault as little as the Supreme Court may choose to agree with this view. Moreover I have never heard anything about the Provincial Constitutions in Pakistan. The present constitutional structure has for all practical purposes left Ayub Khan's one unit intact. There are many lessons we could learn, provided we have the humility to do so, from the USA's experiences in government and it is possible that the US might be more than willing to help us not make the mistakes that they did.

Recommend 0

Abdul

Jul 15, 2015 05:10pm

MQM and peace can not go side by side

Recommend 0

AXH

Jul 15, 2015 05:31pm

Karachi is not MQM's property. It belongs to the people of the city.

Recommend 0

Asif

Jul 15, 2015 05:39pm

It's about time that MQM must be given a final good bye, Karachi or Mohajirs were better off without them.

Recommend 0

M. Siddique

Jul 15, 2015 06:19pm

Undemocratic forces are taking back Karachi from criminals? Well it suits us. We will take undemocratics over criminals who made our life miserable. Lesser of the two evils.

Recommend 0

M. Siddique

Jul 15, 2015 06:21pm

@M Jamal, Where is Mustafa Kamal now?

Recommend 0

SBB

Jul 15, 2015 06:22pm

@Akil Akhtar very true Sir.

Recommend 0

warsi

Jul 15, 2015 06:33pm

Rule of thumb!!! Accept and respect the mandate which is basic principle of democratic norms. Unfortunately we are not seeing that happening towards Karachi - there seems to be lot of distortion by the establishment and sadly by political governments with their acts and deeds. In this case MQM is the beneficiary of urban vote bank and why not this is the only political entity who owns Karachi.Citizens of Karachi has voted time and again sons and daughters of Karachi. God bless Karachi and Karachites. We recently saw prime example of NA-246 where LEA were absolutely biased towards MQM yet people voted and voted in a big way. Karachi was and will remain city of Mohajirs come what may and anyone trying to snatch this right of ours will be disappointed. MQM is the truthful voice of Mohajirs and Karachites. Long Live Karachi - Long Live MQM - Long Live Pakistan!!!!

Recommend 0

Fareed

Jul 15, 2015 06:56pm

As if Karachi belongs to MQM

Recommend 0

karachi

Jul 15, 2015 07:09pm

Grow up haters. All he is saying is that establishment is trying to snatch people mandate.

Recommend 0

Syed Ali

Jul 15, 2015 08:42pm

@N.S Please explain why MQM is winning elections. The biggest corruption is Police; in what country of the world 130 police constables are arrested; they were not MQM. By the way where these constables come from; are they from urban sindh, rural sindh, or from ?

Recommend 0

Syed Ali

Jul 15, 2015 08:46pm

@no comments You tell me who is not, read a list of NAB; they are the crooks; is there anyone from MQM on this list.

Recommend 0

Kala Ingrez - کالا انگریز - काला अंग्रेज - কালো ইংরাজি

Jul 15, 2015 09:21pm

Can Altaf come back and stop these forces?

Recommend 0

common citizen

Jul 15, 2015 09:45pm

MQM never owned the Karachi except the period of 2002-2007 otherwise outsiders owned the Karachi by force through national institutions You can see the development made during MQM days

Recommend 0

syed haider

Jul 16, 2015 12:02am

@Akil Akhtar Yes MQM own this city they are fighting to govern this city see the period from 2002 to 2007

Recommend 0

MJK

Jul 16, 2015 03:00am

400,000 Pounds were recovered from Altaf's house by London metropolitan police.Who is giving him this much money ? Man never had 9AM-5 PM job. A clear cut case of money laundering. He is expert in playing ethnic, linguistic card, pitting Urdu speaking community against rest. No country in the world would allow a political party controlled by a foreign citizen , only in Pakistan.

Recommend 0

Keti Zilgish

Jul 16, 2015 05:27am

The MQM should set an example for all political parties in Pakistan by simply calling it a day. Its organizing experts could easily organize themselves into a very different and updated force more in tune with current world standards from what the MQM has so far been. Yes, I am calling for the reincarnation of obsolete political parties the world over.

Recommend 0

Branded Content

Why SQD-Mini LED is the display breakthrough we’ve been waiting for?

The display industry is entering a new phase, where reducing trade-offs is as important as pushing performance limits.

The Palms at Silk Gardens introduces a new family address in Karachi

The Palms places families at the heart of its vision, offering thoughtfully planned 2 and 3-bedroom units in a secure, peaceful and community-led environment.