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Following the resignation of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) lawmakers from both houses of parliament, party chief Altaf Hussain said that the MQM Rabita (Coordination) Committee will decide the further course of action regarding participation in by-polls to be held on the vacated seats.
Altaf Hussain in an interview with Geo television's Hamid Mir on Wednesday, also said that he will not issue any statement which would hurt the integrity of the country's institutions.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan tweeted on country's current political situation and said, "A tale of 2 resignations: One to investigate an election where all parties claimed election was rigged; & the other to save target killers."
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| Tweet by PTI chairman Imran Khan |
Earlier during the day, MQM leader Farooq Sattar had also alleged that his party was being targeted in the Karachi operation to create political space for PTI and the Mohajir Qaumi Movement-Haqiqi.
Kanwar Dilshad, a former secretary of the Election Commission of Pakistan who also oversaw the 2008 general elections, said that after the NA Speaker's notification regarding the acceptance of MQM parliamentarians' resignations is received by the ECP, it is obligatory on the commission to conduct by-elections in the constituencies vacated by the lawmakers within 60 days.
Sindh Assembly Speaker Agha Siraj, while talking to DawnNews later in the day, said he will not accept the MQM resignations in a haste.
Finance Minister Ishaq Dar has said that the government has not issued a notification accepting resignations by MQM's legislators. He stated that if MQM takes back their resignations, the government would work towards resolving their grievances.
Federal Minister for Climate Change Senator Mushahidullah Khan, belonging to the ruling PML-N, said that for the sake of democracy's survival in the country the government will try to stop the MQM lawmakers from resigning.
Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that although the MQM legislators had tendered their resignations he did not consider the move as a good omen. He added that the resignations of the MQM legislators would create a crisis situation in the country.
Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) chief Senator Sirajul Haq has said that the MQM's sudden and unexpected decision to quit from the assemblies was both surprising and sentimental. He added that in Pakistan, political parties were weak but the leaders were comparatively stronger, and politics revolved around the interests of personalities instead of principles.
Earlier during the day, prior to the submission of the resignations by the MQM lawmakers, Awami Muslim League chief Shaikh Rasheed Ahmad said that presence of Muttahida legislators in the National Assembly was important.
He was of the view that in the prevailing situation in Karachi, MQM lawmakers should not tender their resignations.
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On DawnNews
Comments (62) Closed
Aug 12, 2015 06:29pm
Imran Khan is happy to become new Haqiqi of Establishment...
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Aug 12, 2015 06:32pm
We will vote and support MQM...MQM will shine like the way ,did in NA-246 and in cantonment elections.
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Aug 12, 2015 06:35pm
That is the beauty of the constitution of Pakistan. Mould it, twist it when it suits your interest. Here we have a Speaker of national assembly, who has the constitutional authority to accept resignations of MQM parliamentarians but he won't do it unless it is approved by Barray Mian Sahib.
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Aug 12, 2015 06:47pm
PTI must not take the MQM bait. Let JI be elected. PTI should wait for the 2018 polls
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Aug 12, 2015 06:48pm
Divide and rule, mean while NS is enjoying his foreign trip to build his personal business ties with other companies .
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Aug 12, 2015 06:48pm
Bad days of MQM have started. This is due to arrogance and threatening attitude of Altaf
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Aug 12, 2015 06:52pm
@karachi wala ,, Every one will support mqm but if they clean their party from the criminals. If not then you are also the culprit.
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Aug 12, 2015 06:54pm
If MQM is thinking to take part in by-polls, what was the reason to resign in the first place.
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Aug 12, 2015 07:02pm
Imran Khan wants to conquer Karachi with the help of establishment but he will never succeed he is a used kartoos
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Aug 12, 2015 07:03pm
IK: the difference is u were doing topi drama with the name of resignation, MQM has actually resign.
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Aug 12, 2015 07:05pm
@Ghaznavi "PTI must not take the MQM bait. Let JI be elected. PTI should wait for the 2018 polls" I am shocked that after the humiliating defeat for both JI and PTI in NA-246 you are still talking about winning the election how ? who will vote for JI and PTI ? angels ?
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Aug 12, 2015 07:05pm
I think IK's tweet says it all. One party ( PTI) resigned to strengthen democracy in the country by pressurizing the govt to hold free and fair elections in future, for electoral reforms and strong ECP. All of these things will strengthen Pakistan in the end. And other (MQM) resigned to save criminals and target killers, which will weaken Pakistan in the end.
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Aug 12, 2015 07:19pm
Well if fair election happen, it is for sure that MQM can't grab same number of seats. I agree that they have say in Karachi but not up to the level they portray. Help karachities with the free and fair election and see the results.
Alas!!! if MQM will see fair election happening they will back out @ last minute in the name of 'wasi tar quami mafad.......'.
They only want election at their terms and free style rigging to show the 50 million supporters of MQM..... did I listen right??? 50 million.....
Don't people, who comment in favor of MQM, honestly know that who snatch hides of sacrifice animal and send 'zakat' & 'fitra' books to markets and buildings???
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Aug 12, 2015 07:26pm
Well it's a political move so much should use the political path and keep Altaf Hussein speeches away he only inflicts misery on mqm
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Aug 12, 2015 07:28pm
@I m happy Repeated defeats especially last humiliating defeat in NA-246 has disturbed the mental balance of lot of people especially those who were looking to grab the power in Karachi by hook or by crock rest assured MQM will win more seats with greater margin
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Aug 12, 2015 07:38pm
Totally disagree with IK. At least MQM not wasting their supporters time in Dharna!
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Aug 12, 2015 07:41pm
At least IK shouldn't give any statement on resignations as he himself returned to the parliament which he declared bogus and supported dialogue with those target killers who killed innocent children in Peshawar.
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Aug 12, 2015 08:47pm
IK daily asked his member to give give resignation ....MQM presented resignation on one call.All 83 members resigned not a single defection not a single reservation....raised head of middle class people of Pakistan..
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Aug 12, 2015 08:57pm
All credit to Altaf leadership.He asked for resignation and every representative of MQM said we are with you and check the leadership quality of Imran Khan, sorry to say many didn't turn up as they are not NAZARYATI but electables.Isnt this a fact,whatever you say.
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Aug 12, 2015 09:00pm
MQM is like the British weather.....you do not know what it will do next.
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Aug 12, 2015 09:06pm
Whatever decision by MQM , we are with you , support your every right. We are not scared to be not reelected , but we are sure that wherever and whenever we are asked , voters will vote again and again to confirm their support and commitment to MQM under Altaf Hussein.
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Aug 12, 2015 09:09pm
@Ghaznavi Yes give some of the seats to JI from the seats PTI got in charity from PML N. JI can contest anywhere and anytime in Karachi but it will be beaten by MQM everywhere and every time. MQM is a divine force against all the evil politics in Pakistan.
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Aug 12, 2015 09:19pm
Accept resignation, in by pols , mqm with new members should take part, these law makers should be deny to take part.
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Aug 12, 2015 09:19pm
I never thought Imran Khan will be like our other politicians taking shots at a weaker and defenseless MQM. I think PTI goals are changed, PML/N has one less to worry about, it is certainly a victory for Nawaz Sharif.
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Aug 12, 2015 09:24pm
@karachi wala - Do you have any concern for the victims of target killings and extortion?
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Aug 12, 2015 09:25pm
MQM supporters should thank the Rangers for helping to cleanse their party.
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Aug 12, 2015 10:02pm
It is a very smart political move which has taken aback both establishment and shaken political forces in Islamabad. They have successfully demonstrated that Karachites are treated differently than other political elements and it makes them a strong enough case while reverting to their constituencies during by elections. Well non-sense harping Altaf has a genius side of him too which he showed by shunning the possibility of internal breakup
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Aug 12, 2015 10:34pm
Not really sure what these resignations actually achieve, other than bloodshed, fighting and more chaos during the coming by-polls.
I doubt MQM's grievances with Rangers etc will suddenly get resolved through this en masse resignation.
IF MQM are seriously protesting about these issues, they shouldn't re-run in the by-polls.
However, by not running in the by-polls they'll hand over the initiative to the PPP or the PTI - which clearly they don't want.
So we'll have fiercely contested by-polls, and at the very best MQM will retain all its seats - although there might be a few lost seats here and there.
What if the other parties call MQM's bluff and not put up any candidates?
My question is will MQM really achieve anything through these resignations? Or is it just a stunt?
My personal opinion is that the MQM has shot themselves in the foot here.
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Aug 12, 2015 11:13pm
Of course as if Imran Khan did not do the same by his Dharna. He should stick to cricket.
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Aug 12, 2015 11:19pm
Tale of 2 Resignations
First one, with the hope for the help from Umpires, to topple an elected government and creating a chaos
Second, to prove Altaf is still in control
Always wonder if any other leader in Pakistan would attack the parliament, Police stations, other institutions, incite people not to pay taxes use illegal ways to send money, what he would be called ?
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Aug 12, 2015 11:44pm
Ik, what is the difference between your resignation, dharnas and the antics of MQM?
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Aug 12, 2015 11:48pm
By the end of the year Karachi will be handed over to Imran khan, resignation make sense
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Aug 12, 2015 11:53pm
@Tanweer Khan .... It must be every tiring for MQM to parade in and out of office, and worrying about what their next move will be.
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Aug 12, 2015 11:55pm
@Tanweer Khan ! Fiersely contested polls have never happened in Karachi and it will never happen as MQM holds the majority of the votes. All parties against MQM and MQM will win with flying colors. You have no idea abour Urban Sindh politics while sitting in your haveli in pindi. Come out of your small well and smell the fresh air coming out of Karachi . I was born and raised in Karachi and saw everything and how the rest treated us with descrimination and racism . MQM is very peaceful but time is very limited and you will feel only the thunder and heat at your village .
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Aug 13, 2015 12:12am
this is the height of stupidity to resign and then turn around and participate in the by-election, what a nonsense
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Aug 13, 2015 12:15am
@Khan- USA I am from Karachi and I'd like to tell you that you have no idea about the dynamics of Karachi, sitting in USA. 80 percent of Karachites won't support MQM until and unless it gets rids of criminals and stops playing the victim card falsely. These 80 percent have now found PTI as the new option. 20 percent still support MQM but recent statements by AH have made some of these 20 percent also feel doubtful about MQM. MQM needs to reject all criminals so that it has a chance to reemerge, otherwise people will look for other options and they already have PTI as one.
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Aug 13, 2015 12:20am
@Muzaffar Qureshi His stupid tweet says he did it for rigged election. The election commission and the investigation proved he was lying. The man is so self obsessed that he does not know right from wrong!!!!
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Aug 13, 2015 12:28am
@Talha how come you 80% never show up in real world to vote? oh I forgot you only exist on facebook and twitter. Have you forgotten NA246 and Cantonment elections?
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Aug 13, 2015 12:32am
@Babar - No, investigation did not prove "he was lying". On the contrary, it confirmed that IK request for a probe was justified.
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Aug 13, 2015 12:39am
@Talha OK I am here and will check with you after the by elections and you cover you face in shame.
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Aug 13, 2015 12:41am
@karachi wala - Choose wisely.
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Aug 13, 2015 12:59am
@Haque Parast Ya his 80 % lives in his village with no ID cards unable to vote in Karachi or this 80 % would only vote under Martial Law governments.
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Aug 13, 2015 01:01am
@Naqeeb You are absolutely right; MQM needs clean up.
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Aug 13, 2015 01:26am
I HAVE ANOTHER THEORY: The reason Altaf Hussain asked his MPs to resign is because he was losing control over them. By asking for their resignations, Altaf can appoint his loyalists in By-Elections.
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Aug 13, 2015 01:34am
@khan- USA, your language is testament that even living in US has done no good to you. na-246 was altaf's home constituency and no big deal. And as far as the population of karachi is concerned, it's alot diverse than you ever think and Lalu khait some other parts of city are worse than any village of Pakistan. Let Rangers do their job during by-polls then you shell see how mqm tumbles.
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Aug 13, 2015 01:38am
@Kamal Pasha, It was just publicity stunt.
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Aug 13, 2015 01:48am
Should participate in elections with full force; this us the time to think before leaping.
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Aug 13, 2015 02:47am
@Harmony-1 IK knows he can not win but he insists to be a part of the Musical chair alongwith PML N and PPP so to enjoy the helms of power .
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Aug 13, 2015 03:04am
@IMRAN ALI he is as base as they come
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Aug 13, 2015 03:26am
Time pass
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Aug 13, 2015 03:58am
@I m happy . As long as the gap between rich and poor keep on increasing plus unemployment is not resolved on merit basis crime will not stop. People commit crime when society is unfair and Pakistani society is among the most unfair and cruel society.
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Aug 13, 2015 04:11am
People please try to understand the dynamics of Urban Sindh politics and demography.
MQM has a vast following not only in Karachi but other Sindh cities and they will surely outclass all other parties in any elections. Remember elections are contested with planning and grass root approach to which MQM has strong base. Their election cell is active and works 24/7 365 days.
We have an example of NA-246 and lets not forget the Cantonment board local bodies elections where they even won un-contested.
Please try to see the writing on the WALL.
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Aug 13, 2015 05:12am
Agree or disagree but MQM is the reality.
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Aug 13, 2015 05:41am
@karachi wala but please make sure, it raises its governance to its best and make it an exemplary for other political parties to follow their policies. Do not vote the party on emotional ground, give credit where its due to improve the system.
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Aug 13, 2015 06:38am
Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that although the MQM legislators had tendered their resignations he did not consider the move as a good omen. He added that the resignations of the MQM legislators would create a crisis situation in the country.
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Aug 13, 2015 06:41am
@karachi wala i am also from khi so stop using these names you dont represent all khi
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Aug 13, 2015 08:52am
@ashfaq We are dealing with crises everyday and let one more crises happen !
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Aug 13, 2015 10:10am
@Khan- USA this is only a cry not a crisis, let them cry over spilt milk.
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Aug 13, 2015 10:17am
@Qasim please don't take the name of Karachites and do whatever you want.....I am from Karachi and our family business is running in ki for the last 50 yrs and the amount of bhatta collection by the MQM workers was so much in the last 10-15 hrs that we had to leave khi for islamabad.
MQM has got strong hold in certain areas of khi but does not enjoy the support from the posh localities/business community of khi so please if you want to support Altaf Hussain that's your personal choice but don't say this is the majority of khi....
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Aug 13, 2015 12:46pm
Well will only vote for the MQM. MQM and Altaf are inseparable. Long live the MQM.
From a patriotic Urdu speaking Pakistani.
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Aug 13, 2015 02:20pm
@Kamal Pasha Why is it so tough to understand. The reason is to show that if they win the By-elections they can claim that even after the rangers operation and everything they have the majority's support with them.
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Aug 13, 2015 02:48pm
can anyone tell why mqm stil consider themselves muhajir.... arent they pakistani yet??? saying again and again "hum muhajir etc" proves that they are not purely pakistani by heart and soul...they are stil muhajir...its kind request to them that better they call themselves sindhi or pakisrani not muhajir.
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