Daily Times

KARACHI: In yet another attempt at reconciliation, PIB group leader, Kamran Tessori, met the Bahadurabad-based rabita committee leaders on Monday.

Incidentally, Tessori was the person whose name for Senate polls because the point of contention between the two groups.

Talking to the media after meeting Amir Khan, Faisal Sabzwari and Ameen-ul-Haq, Tessori said he was hopeful, referring to the meeting as a positive development. “We will make all out efforts for reconciliation in the interest of Muhajirs,” he said, adding that Farooq Sattar had suggested that a new rabita committee should be established with conest of both factions.

Faisal Sabzwari said that the MQM-P leader Farooq Sattar would know better what formula could work best for reconciliation. He said he had been visiting the PIB Colony, where Farooq Sattar resides, earlier and he would continue to do so in future if needed.

Bahadurabad group has already filed a complaint with the ECP against the recently conducted intra-party elections by the Farooq Sattar’s PIB group. To a question regarding the complaint filed with the ECP. Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said that all details would be shared with the public on February 27 (today).

Earlier on Saturday, a delegation of the Bahadurabad based committee, comprising Kishwar Zehra and Sardar Ahmed, had visited Farooq Sattar’s residence in PIB Colony but the meeting failed to make any headway.

Mohajir Ittehad Tehreek (MIT) chairman Saleem Haider also visited Farooq Sattar’s residence and the Bahadurabad office with a message for both sides to sort out their differences and work for the rights of the Muhajir community.

On other hand, Karachi mayor Waseem Akhtar said that he had never been a part of any of those delegations so he could not say anything about reconciliation efforts.

Both factions have been firm on their respective formula for integration but they have agreed to continue the reconciliation process to resolve differences.

The MQM-P will contest for 12 Senate seats from Sindh, where it is the second-largest party, has support of at least 43 MPAs as its seven MPAs have joined the PSP. Of the remaining, 26 MPAs are allied with Farooq Sattar, and 15 with the Bahudrabad group.

Published in Daily Times, February 27^th 2018.