Kamal pulls dissident MQM lawmaker into Pak Sarzameen Party

E-Paper | May 02, 2026

KARACHI: Former Karachi mayor Mustafa Kamal on Monday announced that incumbent member of the Sindh Assembly from PS-127 Malir, Ashfaq Mangi, was the latest Mutahidda Qaumi Movement (MQM) lawmaker to have joined his newly-launched Pak Sarzameen Party.

Mangi was joined by dozens of member of the MQM in Sindh, who he said had held organisational posts in the party.

Addressing a press conference alongside Mangi, Kamal said: “I welcome Ashfaq Mangi bhai to my house.”

He added that several other high-profile MQM leaders were in contact with him to switch their loyalties.

Mangi said he decided to join PSP after revelations of the MQM's affiliation with Indian spy agency – RAW.

“We could not have imagined that a party we had been part of for almost 15 years had links with RAW,” he said.

“But then Kamal's presser in March, in which 'he unveiled the truth about the MQM,' and after scores of people joined the PSP as a consequence, my companions and I decided to move as well.”

Kamal's revelations

Earlier in March, when Kamal returned to Pakistan, the MQM dissident unleashed a salvo of bombastic ‘revelations’ against party supremo Altaf Hussain, accusing him of deception, addressing workers while intoxicated and poor running of the MQM.

Since then, the former mayor of Karachi has pulled former MQM heavyweights Advocate Anis, Raza Haroon, Anis Kaimkhani, MPA Dr Sagheer, MPA Iftikhar Alam, Waseem Aftab, ex-senator Mohammad Ali Brohi, and most recently MPA Bilquis Mukhtar, into his party.

The Pak Sarzameen Party's name was announced on March 23 and since then the party has opened offices in Hyderabad and Mirpurkhas.

Advocate Anis and Raza Haroon both have slammed Altaf Hussain, saying the MQM chief is the reason behind party members jumping ship. However, the MQM has denied all allegations regarding the 'minus-Altaf formula' and claims its workers are being 'forced to change loyalties'.

Kamal and his colleagues have not specifically denied these allegations or others that suggest the new party is being backed by 'certain quarters'.

A number of senior MQM members left the country suddenly around the time Kamal returned to Karachi, causing speculation as to the reasons behind their seemingly abrupt departure.

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

Altaf in the spotlight

Supporters being forced to change loyalty: MQM leader

Another MQM lawmaker joins Kamal’s Pak Sarzameen Party

Sajjad

Apr 18, 2016 04:41pm

MQM has made many mistakes and one of them is to give tickets to non-Muhajirs. Now we can see how non-Muhajirs are leaving the party.

Recommend 0

Sheraz

Apr 18, 2016 04:48pm

Who is Ashfaq Mangi? Never heard of him. There are thousands of ordinary Ashfaq Mangi in MQM... Try to take big wicket not No.11 batsman MK.

Recommend 0

Jalbani Baloch

Apr 18, 2016 04:49pm

Sindhis, who joined MQM, were only symbolic and they did not have any mass support. None of MQM-Sindhi speaking member has ever won election on the votes of Sindhis, and it was only MQM, which made them elected or selected on the vote bank of urdu speaking community. Before Asfhaque Mangi, Mr. Mohammad Ali Brohi joined PSP, and I don't think, this can create any damage or dent to MQM vote Bank. However, this simply gives a strong message to MQM to mend its policy of confrontation either with the State or other communities living in Sindh, especially Sindhi, who are the true heirs of Sindh.

Recommend 0

FAKHAR U DIN

Apr 18, 2016 04:50pm

Who is mangi???

Recommend 0

Hasan Askari

Apr 18, 2016 04:52pm

I have visited Lyari I have visited mirpurkhas i have visited tando ... I have visited defence I have visited azizabad....oh no i cant go there This project has failed before its started...stooges cant visit the heart of the base

Recommend 0

M.Saeed

Apr 18, 2016 04:52pm

PSP should open its office in Islamabad and start making active members who should all subscribe to the nascent concept of Pak-Sarzameen. It can easily attract members who are desperately looking for someone genuinely working to unite Pakistan as a single driving force of its destiny.

Recommend 0

zameer

Apr 18, 2016 04:56pm

I have not invited them to join PSP...do not defame me...i am innocent.

Recommend 0

amir khan

Apr 18, 2016 04:56pm

They are non-credible people.

Recommend 0

Sheraz

Apr 18, 2016 04:58pm

@Sajjad All these dissident should contest election from the same seats they won before against MQM candidate and they will see their real place where they belong to... Their security will get confiscated by election comission.

Recommend 0

Aila khan

Apr 18, 2016 04:59pm

now pakistan will progres, pakistan was not developing as they were not in kamal party.

Recommend 0

Haider

Apr 18, 2016 05:04pm

Honestly I never knew this person perhaps MQM gave him ticket to show solidarity with Sindhis otherwise this Mangi has no ground anywhere in Karachi.He should have thanked to MQM who gave him some fame in Sindh but people with vested interests are never loyal to anyone. The inclusion of such trivial people shows PSP could not divert or even shake the main stream of MQM. Salute to all MQM workers and leaders for standing with Altaf Hussain and MQM. Unity of Mohajirs should be prime concern for every Mohajir in this time.

Recommend 0

Karachitee

Apr 18, 2016 05:06pm

Just wonder if there is no MQM in Karachi or PPP in Sind or PML N in Punjab and similarly other parties then people of the those areas were in good condition or bad, just food for thought!

Recommend 0

Jamal

Apr 18, 2016 05:09pm

MQM must learn lessons from this and strive to strengthen scrutiny process before giving tickets for the assemblies. Such people breach the blind trust in the name of MQM.

Recommend 0

Black spot

Apr 18, 2016 05:10pm

In years to come i see Mqm going back to Mohajir politics and getting limited to Karachi and perhaps Hyberabad. All non-mohajirs are welcomed to leave MQM. Turing Mohajir qoumi movement to muttahida was a blunder by Altaf Hussain.

Recommend 0

Shahid

Apr 18, 2016 05:16pm

MQM is an ocean. People come, gain some benefits and leave in search of another benefit from somewhere. Such people are not loyal with anyone since their notion is to get maximum benefits in heydays of a party and leave it in difficult times to make den with someone who are already like them and welcome such people.

Recommend 0

Malang

Apr 18, 2016 05:21pm

Mustafa Bhai is repeating the same mistakes Imran Bhai has already committed and reaping its fruits nowadays. I wonder why any leader in Pakistan is having such a charisma to bring unknown people on merit of education and skills and make them electable from masses. I have seen the two in Pakistan's History one was definitely Bhutto but the most prime example was none other than Altaf Hussain who brought too many unknowns to these assemblies to play their part, they succeed or not is totally an other topic.

Recommend 0

Shahid

Apr 18, 2016 05:21pm

@Sajjad I thought MQM stands for "Mutahidda Qaumi Movement" and not "Muhajir Qaumi Movement"????

Recommend 0

iffi

Apr 18, 2016 05:25pm

@Sajjad Its amazing that after 65 years ... you are still a mohajir ??? when you call yourself Pakistani ????

Recommend 0

Faisal

Apr 18, 2016 05:25pm

PSP good going, atleast now People of Karachi will have another option.

Recommend 0

Faisal

Apr 18, 2016 05:26pm

@FAKHAR U DIN you will know everything just wait for 2018 GE

Recommend 0

iffi

Apr 18, 2016 05:28pm

I am thinking when you guys are going to call yourself Pakistanis ????

Recommend 0

Hammad

Apr 18, 2016 05:38pm

@Jalbani Baloch True heirs of Sindh??? Sir you need to come out of dreaming. The world is changing very rapidly . No heirs any more. Sindh has two stakeholders now i.e. Sindhis and Mohajirs. Sooner you accept better will be for the region.

Recommend 0

irfan

Apr 18, 2016 05:54pm

@iffi This is our identity

Recommend 0

SYED NASEEM AHMED

Apr 18, 2016 06:09pm

Agencies are also behind to drag these people and forcing them to Join MK party as they did during Bhutto & Benazir regime , then PML (N) Q league was formed and now again MK party within MQM . We do not have true democracy in our country unfortunately Syed Naseem Ahmed

Recommend 0

Bravo

Apr 18, 2016 06:18pm

@iffi : "I am thinking when you guys are going to call yourself Pakistanis ??" and My Friend, I am Thinking, when you people start calling us Pakistanis.

Recommend 0

Freeman

Apr 18, 2016 06:38pm

@Sheraz "Try to take big wicket not No.11 batsman MK" I would rather say, take all the people and leave just the team of 11 all alone with no spectators.

Recommend 0

Hamza

Apr 18, 2016 06:42pm

Very disappointing that non-urdu speaking people elected from urdu speaking areas just for MQM are detracting for vested interests. It is very difficult to measure someone's character but from now on MQM must ensure the persons for assemblies are real workers and have spot less loyalties.

Recommend 0

Chaman

Apr 18, 2016 07:08pm

Some weak people who cannot tolerate pressure change loyalty but this does not establish that PSP is getting any support anywhere in the city.

Recommend 0

Philosopher (from Japan)

Apr 18, 2016 07:23pm

@iffi when others stop calling themselves as balochi Punjabi and Pashtune. Once the arrogant calls of these provincial identities will merge into a broader and true identity of pakiatani.

Recommend 0

N_Saq

Apr 18, 2016 07:27pm

The supporters of MQM do not understand that MQM has its members elected from urban Sind for the last 30 yrs but they have not made any difference to the life of common citizens. In fact the life of the urban Sind has become more difficult during the last 30 yrs. I know MQM blames it on PPP and its feudals for not allowing them to function by not allotting them their due share. However, my question is that if that is true and if PPP is the reason for non development in urban Sindh for the last 30 years then how do they think the PPP will change course and will allow them to function in the future? The reason MQM can not take on PPP is because PPP is a national party whereas MQM is a regional party. The irony of the situation is that you can not live in Sind and mess with the Sindhis on the basis of ethnicity. So my question to MQM supporters is that based on last 30 yrs, isn't it time to rethink their strategy and opt for a national party or are they happy with the status quo?

Recommend 0

Kashif

Apr 18, 2016 07:28pm

@Jalbani Baloch True heirs of Sindh? Sindhis need to accept that Urdu speakers have just as much right to Sindh as Sindhis.

Recommend 0

Javed

Apr 18, 2016 07:43pm

@N_Saq Are you sure PPP is national party??? think again please.

Recommend 0

Robbie

Apr 18, 2016 08:06pm

It will take years of efforts for this Pak Sar Zameen party to become a national party in Pakistan, that is to be seen, however looking at the people joining this party resembles another failure just like the MQM (Haqiqi), few members of MQM Altaf joining PSZ will not make them a major party in future.

Recommend 0

Bilal

Apr 18, 2016 08:15pm

In Pakistan almost all voters votes based on the ethnicity of the head of the party. All other parties have few people from other ethnicities (Quoat) just to say we are national party. If MQM does that, why everyone else has a problem with that? Mr. Mangi was on a Sindhi quota, if he left MQM, is this going to dent in MQM?.. really..

Recommend 0

Good job

Apr 19, 2016 12:46am

It's a continued phenomenon,persons will breakaway and join other parties as per their vested interest. Question arises where is that party who can 'give'peace,harmony,and benefit to ordinary people of Pakistan,every party leaders are filling their pockets from nation wealth and investing abroad. Hopeless performance is seen,hence more stringent legislation is needed to control the corrupt Mafia.

Recommend 0

Riaz Uddin

Apr 19, 2016 04:19am

Ashfaq was introduced by MQM The moment he left MQM nobody cares. He was elected on ticket of MQM. Now he has no political career at least in Urban Area of Sindh.

Recommend 0

Ahsan Gul

Apr 19, 2016 05:53am

This guy Mr. Kamal is amazing. Concerned government people and the Army must investigate what he has disclosed about MQM. Rule of the thumb is that when people are offered better choice for what they have they buy or choose that. And in this case Kamal's party over MQM.

Recommend 0

Khan -Pakistani , USA

Apr 19, 2016 09:48am

Sad to hear that MQM good gesture of getting elected non urdu speaking people was not reciprocated properly . Nadia Gabol , Nabeel Gabol and now Ashfaque Mangi have been only only opportunists .

Recommend 0

Muhammad

Apr 19, 2016 11:56am

Mustafa Kamal is on the mission he has been sent to destroy the only Urban Sindh party who has been representing Urdu speaking for the last 35 years they want to chock the only voice of Karachiites

Recommend 0

Bravo

Apr 19, 2016 04:36pm

@N_Saq : Your every analysis is right but aren't you asking the right question from Wrong audiance. If MQM fails to deliver due to PPP and its not a blame by the way its reality then Voters of PPP should quit the party not the voters of MQM. The sensible voter of MQM is loyal at its best and they know once the party has been given authorities it will definitely deliver. Regarding strategy of MQM to become national party the answer must be asked from the voters of other parties because they never accepted MQM as national party despite of changing its name and spreading its infrastructure to the every corner of country and allowing different ethnic groups to not only join the party but also been given MNA/MPA/ Senator Ship from its platform. What else one could do to show its openness to all ethnicity.

Recommend 0

Kabeer

Apr 19, 2016 05:05pm

@N_Saq My simple question to the supporter of so called national parties is what have they delivered to this country till date secondly PPP has destroyed the rural Sindh one cannot expect anything good from them for Urban Sindh, thirdly MQM at least gave voice to the Urban middle class educated populace, fourthly when MQM was given chance in Musharraf era they served the Urban Sindh remarkably last but not least MQM tried to become National party but since it represents educated middle class therefore the feudalistic Pakistan would not accept them and would not allow them to function openly

Recommend 0

Branded Content

Taptap Send, Arshad Nadeem partner to highlight Pakistan’s unsung champions

The initiative comes at a time when cricket continues to dominate national attention, often overshadowing achievements in other sports.

NexGen Auto (Nishat Group) to Introduce iCAUR in Pakistan

As one of Pakistan’s leading business groups, Nishat Group operates across key sectors including textiles, cement, banking, insurance, power and agriculture.