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KARACHI: Senior leader of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Dr Farooq Sattar has claimed that families of several ‘missing’ workers of the party and those languishing in prison are being forced to change their loyalties.
Without disclosing identity of those who he claimed were approaching the families of ‘missing’ MQM workers, Dr Sattar told a press conference here on Saturday evening that the relatives of such party workers were being threatened as well as lured with temptations to change their loyalties.
He said they were being contacted through ‘unlisted’ phone numbers. “Efforts are still under way to implement a minus-one formula.”
He said MQM was about to launch a cleanliness drive in the city and its struggle for an empowered local government system when it got entangled in a debate about the party’s organisational weaknesses of 2013.
Dr Sattar said that since 2013 MQM was trying to sort out its organisational shortcomings and it had abolished the Karachi Tanzeemi Committee, formed a central executive council and informed the public about the reasons behind the overhauling.
Published in Dawn, March 6th, 2016
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Mar 06, 2016 08:28am
Shifting people's loyalties is the main modus operandi of politics and evangelical religions.
Just supplant one with another- never mind the long term consequences!
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Mar 06, 2016 08:30am
Unable to digest how a loyal supporter can think about leaving on just receiving a phone call....
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Mar 06, 2016 08:34am
As one of the senior most party leaders, Mr. Sattar should really start thinking about the well being of the people of Karachi instead of being afraid of Mr. Altaf Hussain all the time.
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Mar 06, 2016 08:36am
Seems some truth in Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Dr. Farooq Sattar's claim.
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Mar 06, 2016 08:38am
Another huge conspiracy being hatched against MQM and its leadership. People who are wanted were not arrested at the airport instead they were given government protocol.
People are not blind. They can see whats going on. Urban Sindh was, is and will always be with MQM.
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Mar 06, 2016 08:44am
Peopele who were on the wanted list were not arrested at the airport instead were given government protocol. Even a blind person could see that there is a big conspiracy being hatched against MQM and its leadership.
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Mar 06, 2016 09:01am
It's always a conspiracy in Pakistan whenever you want to touch a big shot..... Every powerful man in this ultimate free country is untouchable.....
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Mar 06, 2016 09:21am
This is a pre-emptive attempt to malign MQM party leadership who are ready to jump ship because of Altaf Hussain attitude and policies.
Altaf is nervous with Mustafa Kamal's popularity among the Karachites so he is trying to convince his supporters that the reason people are leaving party is under duress and not because they are disgruntled and like the alternate better.
Mustafa Kamal has shaken the very foundation of MQM and the party knows that it's days are numbered.
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Mar 06, 2016 09:48am
Unless you and your supporters are united in purpose, dedication, and loyalty, you will not succeed to the extent you otherwise could....In Pakistan every thing has a price tag...Altaf Hussain is just the sound for Mohajirs but has no voice...
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Mar 06, 2016 10:02am
@Sab Se Pehle Pakistan. Isn't it good for Karachi. I m sick and tired of seeing my city this dirty and ugly. Did MQM protest or called any strike for the city in the last 10 years. No my friend.
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Mar 06, 2016 10:03am
Mustafa Kamal is the only MQM leader or member who is equally admired by the people of all ethnicity and all religions of Karachi because of his performance as Karachi Mayor.
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Mar 06, 2016 10:09am
The only cleaning they do is off human lives.
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Mar 06, 2016 10:29am
Dr. Farooq and other in the top leadership of MQM are not the least interested in welfare of their constituents they are busy just enriching themselves. Otherwise there is no way that Altaf could dictate every thing to everyone.
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Mar 06, 2016 10:37am
Those MQM members having position of MNA, MPA and Senators will never leave or think of joining the "Kamal" group as they are having a decent source of income and perks. Pakistan political set up is a major source of high salary+perks for people who can never earn such money as professionals.
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Mar 06, 2016 10:46am
What is scaring them most is that all their electronic data containing lists of workers, foreign workers, financiers, people they extorted money from, all the data has been copied.
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Mar 06, 2016 10:54am
@N_Saq I think you have never been in Karachi for a long time or may be you don't know mqm's supporters. They are different from pti and other parachute and opportunist parties. MK kind of drama had already televised in 1992 but the characters was Afaq Ahmed in the new episode MK has replaced him. Just imagine how good mqm voters are that despite 24 years' media trial, they still vote mqm. I feel its not the magic of AH or any other personality in mqm but other parties are failed to do some concrete work for Karachi people and always tried to get space through criticizing mqm. If any other party works for the welfare of Karachi then people will happily chose that over mqm. For example, if Edhi, or Chippa or Ansar burney call today that they are forming a party, they will easily win because people have seen their work for Karachi, but if pti, anp, ji or mk etc. try to get their feet just on the basis of obsolete criticism on mqm then they must be living in a fool's paradise.
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Mar 06, 2016 10:54am
Dr. Sattar is justifying in advance as people are expected to quit MQM and to join Mustafa Kamal. There are scores who have already.
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Mar 06, 2016 10:55am
A Big Salute to Dr. Farooq Sattar for his firm and unshakable loyalty. A great worker of MQM who is a pride of our memon community.
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Mar 06, 2016 11:08am
There are many 'plus' and 'minuses' in the MQM. In Karachi there is no alternative to the Urdu speaking citizens, so the MQM presents itself. Unfortunately, the promise held out has not materialised and that has been re-joining the PPP in their Sindh coalition government. Nothing good as ever come out for Karachi in this coalition. Salams
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Mar 06, 2016 11:15am
Cleanliness drive was stopped for internal debate on organizational structure?? Is that how ppl are given preference??
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Mar 06, 2016 11:16am
What they are not telling you is that both sides are making these calls from unlisted numbers. I have already changed my loyalties five times and I am tired.
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Mar 06, 2016 11:25am
Tit for tat; is it?
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Mar 06, 2016 11:33am
We argue about being loyal to the party but no one talks about being loyal to the truth, humanity, decency, law and order, and last but not the least Pakistan.....
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Mar 06, 2016 11:48am
Nobody is forcing to change loyalties. More than 70% Rabita Committee members are fed-up with Altaf Hussain Policies - says Nabeel Gabol the ex-MNA MQM. And the fear factor ( of being killed) has reduced.
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Mar 06, 2016 12:07pm
From one MQM, there is going to be 5/6 MQM very soon.
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Mar 06, 2016 12:18pm
What is the point here?
People will change loyalities on phone calls? We have seen MQM much better organized than that in the past.
At the end people of Karachi will decide who they want Altaf Bhai or Kamal Bhai.
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Mar 06, 2016 12:22pm
Be brave Mr. Farooq Sattar, disclose the names of some ones forcing to change the loyalties. Why you are worried all Muhajirs (in the language of MQM) are with you.
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Mar 06, 2016 12:23pm
@PHILOSOPHER (FROM JAPAN) Very well eleborated. Thats the fact.
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Mar 06, 2016 12:30pm
@PHILOSOPHER (FROM JAPAN)
So question is, why Karachites vote for MQM when they cannot see any work from them now?
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Mar 06, 2016 12:38pm
How come Dr Sattar, able to contacted there missing supporters ;). Now they realize how it feels, when they force supporters of other to vote for them
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Mar 06, 2016 12:42pm
Mr. Farooq Sattar, don't blame others, MQM was supposed to be a party of educated & disciplined peoples but all the virtues were erased by irresponsible talks & commandments from London office, cheap songs & quotations greeted the well wishers. I think the slide has started & it will gain momentum. MQM got started with a genuine cause but that cause is nowhere to be seen now.
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Mar 06, 2016 12:44pm
@Kamal Pasha. Wake up sir. Its time to go work.
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Mar 06, 2016 12:52pm
whats wrong with this ? first you forced them to vote for you, so much so, that you guys are possessing their NICS permanently..... thousands of people in Gulf states cast their vote for your AH without visiting Pak ?.... what goes round comes back round. learn to live like this.... Karachi will sooner will be back to peace glories of 70s.
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Mar 06, 2016 12:54pm
@Pakistan110 The answer is leaders and workers live among their own people even they dont work due to unavailability of funds and power from the sindh government. You will see the difference once power is given to MQM and I am sure you must have seen during Gen Musharraf regime. The main reason of Kamal's 'Kamal' was the power in the hands of MQM who delivered effectively and since the power is taken no work has been done. People of Karachi know this fact as they keep their eyes open. This is why MQM gets mandate each time from the people of Karachi.
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Mar 06, 2016 01:01pm
Its other way around, supporters being forced to keep loyalty.
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Mar 06, 2016 01:02pm
Mr Sattar, citizens of Karachi are far more important than your political goals.
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Mar 06, 2016 01:06pm
it is quite obvious now that there is a force behind Sattar like few people to stay loyal to Altaf , there is no other ligit reason left to be that stubborn after being exposed so badly .
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Mar 06, 2016 01:09pm
@Abdulla Hussain MQM is still the party of highly educated people and most popular party in Urban Sindh. I can agree what you said to an extent and the reason is when you feel powerful and inner satisfaction that this power is going no where then you may have such light mood and sometime inappropriate words, but this does not mean people start disliking and grabbing power. People of Karachi know that Altaf Hussain has given them an identity, taught them of their rights and gave confidence to challenge traditional Pakistani politics. Altaf Hussain brought poor people in quarters of power and showed a path leading to the government. These things were impossible decades ago and still in main Pakistan still impossible. This is why MQM is highly regarded in Karachi and other urban Sindh and I see people are not willing to give up support to Altaf Hussain and MQM in many years to come.
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Mar 06, 2016 01:15pm
@s.khan Yes you are right. There is a force behind Dr. Frooq Sattar and this is not establishment force. This is force of people. General public of Karachi has strong force behind MQM and its leadership and many forces are trying to break this force. But you know the voting power id decisive and no one can take this power from the people of Karachi.
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Mar 06, 2016 01:18pm
I shall applause for his twisted logical reason he gave to justify the loud voice against his party.
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Mar 06, 2016 01:24pm
MQM need to change their name first from MQM to PQM ( Pakistani Qoomi Movement ). First of all we have to make MQM Pakistani first,
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Mar 06, 2016 01:33pm
change is natural dr sab. Either you accept or reject you have to confront with it. by the way what you did for the citizen that you are claiming this loyalty.
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Mar 06, 2016 01:37pm
@AK
Don't be so naïve, they will get a lot on the other side.
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Mar 06, 2016 01:40pm
@Abdul Rauf Yes if change is natural then everyone would welcome, but if is artificial change then no one would accept.I think the latter one is happening these days.
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Mar 06, 2016 01:41pm
@Javed
Don't forget about Abdulrasheed Godil. Brave and wise, a thorough gentleman.
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Mar 06, 2016 01:45pm
@Pakistan110
This is our problem from generations we have never been opportunists. From Syed shaheed barelvi to Fatima Jinnah.
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Mar 06, 2016 02:30pm
@Kashif "Unable to digest how a loyal supporter can think about leaving on just receiving a phone call....".....lol bro
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Mar 06, 2016 02:30pm
@Sab Se Pehle Pakistan and that is good for Karachi and good for Pakistan
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Mar 06, 2016 02:53pm
Seriously...
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Mar 06, 2016 02:53pm
Altaf Bhai is the only person who represents people of Karachi. He has spent his entire life struggling for the well being of the city and its people. His efforts should be recognised and criticism of him and his party stopped.
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Mar 06, 2016 03:13pm
I have happily changed loyalty Dr Farooq. No one coerced me, thank you very much.
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Mar 06, 2016 03:17pm
People like Mustafa Kamal can be found in all political parties.MQM senior leadership supported MK to become a celebrity and popular. But no political party take the risk as it is being understood that once they are popular they might try to forcefully replace the top leadership.MQM made the mistake and now MK and his sponsors are taking the benefit.But this is a wishful thinking as the Karachites know very well that MK achievements were the work of MQM workers and Mr Musharraf.
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Mar 06, 2016 03:58pm
The reader on this forum who give their comments against MQM and Altaf Hussain do not have any minute idea how people of Karachi love MQM and its leadership. No conspiracy against MQM has been supported by the people of Karachi rather this pushes people towards MQM as it is the only party that cares Urdu speaking people and raise voice for them. Anybody gives me any example of any party which has spoken for people of Karachi and their problems except maligning Altaf Hussain and MQM.
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Mar 06, 2016 04:07pm
Mr. Farooq Sattar the fact of the matter is MQM has deviated from the promised path & ventured off track. They enjoyed absolute power during Musharraf era yet they did not solve much of the problems faced by the voters. To add up to the voes the commandments & comments about our beloved armed forces did throw a dark shadow on MQM, no conspiracy about it all the speeches & comments are well preserved. Keeping eyes closed does not mean the sun's not shining. Blame your attitude first.
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Mar 06, 2016 04:57pm
Long live MQM and Altaf Hussain....
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Mar 06, 2016 04:59pm
@Abdulla Hussain MQM was given power during Musharraf's regime and the person who is topic in talk shows these days worked with the given power and authority. People of Karachi know very well how MQM and its workers changed the city when the power was given to them so your point that problem were not solved during that time is invalid. MQM and its leadership grew within people and it took decades to come at present stage. People descend through parachute may be acceptable in remote areas but not most educated city of Karachi. Test it.
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Mar 06, 2016 04:59pm
people of karachi know what is the best for them,and MQM is the best.
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Mar 06, 2016 05:08pm
Attempts have been made . Ofcourse this has not happened as Karachites have thick skin !
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Mar 06, 2016 05:11pm
@N_Saq AH is never nervous as this coward attacks and attempts are always made by establishment since 1992 but MQM has still voters mandate !
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Mar 06, 2016 05:13pm
The battle for Karachi continues as Karachi itself continues to suffer. If those trying to browbeat had spent so much money and influence in really bringing about structural improvements in Karachi's governance, they would have gotten my vote. Unfortunately they have proven themselves to be interested in only the geography of Karachi, not the soul of Karachi. No wonder they have repeatedly failed to find any traction in the city.
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Mar 06, 2016 05:41pm
What ever path he came from but the fact is Mustafa kamal is an option who rose from their own ranks! The people of Karachi have to decide whether they continue to pledge with their long time Peer sahab or The Islamic Republic of Pakistan !
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Mar 06, 2016 06:05pm
why entire govt is against you/ mqm Mr Farooq Sattar.... ever thought about it ?. why don you try and make a party minus AH. this will bring stability to party and lasting peace to this city and subsequently the country. your AH always refers to live and die for country. Why can't he sacrifice his post for the sake of peace in the country ?.
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Mar 06, 2016 06:20pm
@Javaid Unfortunately establishment has been offering different options to people of Karachi but each time it is failed. The problem is with establishment it does not like to discuss solution of Karachi with the leader of masses and strives to impose its own made up 'leader'. If you do not ask with the one who has solid solution how come you could eradicate problems of Karachi. Recently representatives of Karachi have been elected but the establishment is unwilling to cede the due rights. This unjust multiplies the frustration among the people of Karachi and top on that if someone suddenly appears on the stage of politics as a savior how people would accept that? Many formulas have been designed and implemented to solve Karachi problems but the true working formula is not being used.What to say people of Karachi are well aware of it.
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Mar 06, 2016 06:45pm
Cleanliness, no matter where, is best dealt with via prevention of uncleanliness.
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Mar 06, 2016 06:57pm
Power is that which is taken not given.
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Mar 06, 2016 07:35pm
This is the beginning of the NEW MQM party.
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Mar 06, 2016 08:19pm
do what ever they want but MQM and ALTAF HUSSAIN WILL WIN.
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Mar 06, 2016 08:26pm
MQM is the party of educated and "grassroots" workers. Except for the few exploiters and opportunists MQM has always worked for the Pakistani people.
To make the party viable and useful once again the "good-for-nothing" elements should be eliminated. They have brought bad name to the great party.
I wish MQM well from Brossard, Canada.
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Mar 06, 2016 08:28pm
If the authorities are serious in solving problems they must talk to MQM rather than crushing them by force. The government may divert attention of general public for short time but not all the time. People now started realizing that in the name of MQM operation and conspiracy the government is doing whatever it wants without any protest.
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Mar 06, 2016 10:05pm
@Dr. Shahid-CA: I being a Muhajir from Karachi fully agree with you, Altaf Hussain did excellent job in the early & mid stages, I have never disagreed about it, what I said was MQM going off track from the promised path. I still believe MQM is a power having a majority vote bank all I want to say is use this platform in a progressive, healthy, clean way for the benefit of muhajir in particular & sindhi & all Pakistanis in general. Altaf hussain Sahib should return to Pakistan, face the charges, get cleared & lead the voters from Pakistan alternatively he should appoint Dr. Farooq Sattar as the head of MQM with full & independent powers to lead the party from Pakistan. Mr. Altaf Hussain should remain as the figure head.
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Mar 06, 2016 10:13pm
Its high time Sattar should also change sides. MQM is obsolete, it has done nothing but damaged Karachi and tried to harm Pakistan.
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Mar 06, 2016 10:33pm
After being head of the city for over 2 decades you are just now starting a cleaning drive?
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Mar 06, 2016 11:10pm
Hats of to Dr Farooq Sattat and his loyal team members who are facing allegations against its leader and party - each allegations against MQM is making them more stronger and supportive to the party.
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Mar 07, 2016 01:54am
watch arshad sharif of ary video compilation of similarities of saulat mirza and MK statement. looks exactly that both scripts were written by same person.
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Mar 07, 2016 03:40am
MQM had their chance to do some good work for their voters. They took voters for granted, like many other political parties. About time smart voters vote for candidates who can solve their problems i.e. clean water supply, electricity, medical hospitals and police reforms.
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Mar 07, 2016 07:51am
@waleed KARACHI - they don't win because of any good reason but because of exploiting muhajir nationalist agenda. Its time "muhajirs" wake up and think of themselves and the country. It's been almost 7 decades and still muhajirs, really???
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Mar 07, 2016 02:14pm
MQM long standing approach to pretend oppressed and own workers they are arrested but immediately abandon when they are caught and reveal the truth about MQM wrong doing. Rather than blaming others all the times as their rhetoric, they shall seriously think if they are sincere to adopt zero tolerance for extremism in the party and disown militant outfits in its ranks.
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Mar 09, 2016 02:36am
MQM , was never for the peopl e of Karachi , they only serve Altaf Hussain , hope Mustafa kamal takes Over and work sincerely for Karachi .
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