Altaf Hussain out?

Published June 13, 2019

ON Tuesday, MQM founder Altaf Hussain was taken into custody by police authorities in London over an anti-Pakistan speech he made to party workers in Karachi in 2016. As per reports, he has now been released on bail.

This would appear to be something of an anti-climax for those who have followed his journey in Pakistani politics as the leader of an ethnically motivated party known for striking fear into the hearts of ordinary citizens in urban Sindh. It is something of an irony that Mr Hussain, thousands of miles away, may yet find an escape route, even as the Sharifs and the ever-resourceful Asif Ali Zardari are held accountable for their deeds in Pakistan.

It is clear that Mr Hussain’s role has weakened considerably, especially as the MQM has split into factions — not least because of a conscious effort by the establishment and certain political forces to divide the party. In fact, it has been evident for quite some time that the once revered and deeply feared ‘Bhai’ has practically ceased to exist in spirit. He may retain his silent admirers, and those who would still heed his call to not vote in a general election, but at 66, and after having served as the lynchpin of many a project, besides being in a state of extended self-exile, it can be safely assumed that, politically, Mr Hussain is well past his prime.

He is but a pale shadow of the kingmaker who once ruled over vast areas of Karachi and Hyderabad.

In the past, whenever the law initiated an investigation into the conduct of Mr Hussain, who besides his routine incendiary tirades has also been in the public eye for alleged money laundering and a suspected role in the murder of a senior MQM leader in London, warnings were sent out. Monitors were asked to keep a close watch on the areas that constituted the party’s stronghold.

Many of the old watchers have since done away with the warning ritual, and only the curious try and gauge the feelings of those who once overwhelmingly stood behind Mr Hussain. Perhaps, a deeper analysis is still needed to go beyond the persona and politics of the man. Various accounts suggest that many issues stand unresolved. Mr Hussain may be down, perhaps permanently, but the feeling that his influence and actions have given birth to a very divisive brand of politics is very much alive.

Published in Dawn, June 13th, 2019

Opinion

Editorial

Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...
New terror wave
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

New terror wave

The time has come for decisive government action against militancy.
Development costs
27 Mar, 2024

Development costs

A HEFTY escalation of 30pc in the cost of ongoing federal development schemes is one of the many decisions where the...
Aitchison controversy
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

Aitchison controversy

It is hoped that higher authorities realise that politics and nepotism have no place in schools.