Daily Times

Karachi, the city of lights and the economic hub of Pakistan welcomes people of all nationalities, ethnicities and background for a myriad of purposes or intention. Undoubtedly, the muhajir portfolio of the city has been carrying the torch for the country for a long time and a political party can’t be the arbitrator of their fate.

The question is how MQM has become the largest Muhajir mandated party in Sindh. The answer is very simple. Since its inception, in every election MQM fought in some places sympathetically and in others forcefully. The party created its mandate in Sindh and especially in Karachi.

Like other Sindhis, the Muhajir community of Sindh also doesn’t have any other alternate in the political battlefield except for voting for MQM. They think that if they vote for any other party, it would make their conditions worse.

The establishment has been using political, religious parties and personalities for different means and after the recent episode of press conferences by both leaders, every Karachiite has begun to think, what is going on in Karachi? Is it really engineered politics or normal politics?

Minus Altaf Hussain, the methods worked well for Islamabad but its aftershocks can still be seen through the current approach of the MQM leadership. Such extenuating circumstances would surely lead the situation to a terrible conclusion.

Karachi has been a cash cow for both PPP and MQM for a long time. The two parties have been involved in land grabbing, corruption cases, extortions, murders and many other malpractices

Although Karachi has been the cash cow for both PPP and MQM for a long time, Chinese investments, government land grabbing, corruption cases, extortions, murders and many other malpractices have been carried out by both parties.

After Mustafa Kamal’s press conference, it’s very clear about what extent the establishment is interfering in the political game of Pakistan’s only metropolis. MQM’s role, and influence has reached an end, and now it’s time to reassemble and shape up a replica of the same party but with a different strategic approach.

It was a misconception that the party might regain its lost credibility after Altaf Hussain’s disassociation. The fact is that the Muhajir community of Sindh still has a soft corner for Altaf Hussain. Moreover, the MQM (P)’s top leadership is still affiliated with the MQM London leadership.

I think the honeymoon is over now for the MQM leadership and they are helpless about the interference of the establishment or any other entities. The party’s discomfiture might be because of having convicted criminal elements within its organization.

Many Karachiites welcomed the way the Rangers along with other law enforcing agencies restored peace but they do have reservations when it comes to the merging of MQM into PSP.

Keeping elections in 2018 in view, this alliance may give PPP a tough time but it will be a nuisance for them in the future.

The establishment’s role can never be overlooked when it comes to stabilizing the country and taking charge against the violent and criminal elements. However, in such circumstances the interference in Karachi’s politics can’t be called a sensible move.

Karachi’s plight might be perplexing but there are possible ways to tackle the situation. The world’s mega cities are famous for having skyscrapers, green parks, latest public transport facilities and beautiful waterfronts but unfortunately Karachi is only famous for its deplorable rubbish, bloodshed, and crime.

Our law enforcers are working zealously to restore peace and ensure that business and commercial activities return to normal in Karachi. Unfortunately, lawless elements within the city are a major hindrance. It is these elements that have the backing of various religious and political organizations and are not willing to reform and mend their ways.

At this juncture, every active political and religious organization who claims to own Karachi should bail out sincerely the troubled masses of the city and play a pivotal role to make Karachi a heaven on earth.

The writer is freelance writer based from Badin and can be reached at abbaskhaskheli@hotmail.com

Published in Daily Times, November 25^th 2017.