The Ever Changing MQM

MQM is one political party which had been instrumental in not only bringing upon a change but had been in a constant state of introspection throughout her relatively short political years. It was obviously founded as a student reactionary force back in the ever rebellious late 1970’s and later transformed herself into a mainstream political party in 1984 by announcing herself as “Mohajir Qaumi Movement�. Interestingly the momentum to change did not stop as MQM finally went universal in Pakistan by actually changing her party name from Mohajir Qaumi Movement to Muthida Qaumi Movement in 1997.

All in All, the man who had the vision and who over-looked and maneuvered the constant change of direction was none other than the founder of MQM who is known as Quaid-e-Tahreek, Altaf Hussain Bhai or the Leader of the Struggle. A rebellious student of B-Pharm from University of Karachi.

Undoubtedly, Altaf Hussin Bhai is a visionary leader with an excellent organizational and leadership qualities who actually made the right decisions at the right time. I was once told by a friend who is a close relative of late Benazir Bhutto that if Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s speeches could be matched by anyone in Pakistan; it could only be your leader: Mr.Altaf Hussain and coming from a Sindhi Nationalist made me all proud that day. What’s more astonishing is that the leader of MQM who did everything and suffered personally, financially and even physically rejected to step into a public office which is unprecedented by South Asian standards where most of not all are power hungry and political office is considered the mecca or the ultimate destination.

Altaf Hussain’s Vision for Pakistan had always been of a progressive, enlightened and secular Pakistan – a Pakistan free from discrimination, a Pakistan where provincial autonomy is insured as promised in 1940 Pakistan Resolution and by 1973 Constitution and where distribution of wealth is transparent and just.

Unfortunately, the message of Quaid-e-Tahreek of MQM, Altaf Hussain Bhai had been distorted by certain forces who considers even the mention of “equality and empowerment for all � as Blasphemy and Treasonand they are indeed the real one's who should be tried under article 6 for actually rejecting the constitutional approach of Altaf Hussain Bhai to resolve issues.

It also makes an interesting observation that whenever MQM actually starts becoming popular in Northern Pakistan something against MQM happened. In 1992 when MQM actually wanted to go-global by changing her name to Muthida Qaumi Movement a “Serb Style Genocide� was conducted where more than 15,000 of MQM workers and voters were brutally murdered in extra-judicial killing.

12th May is not an exception too; it came when MQM was popular in Punjab and NWFP thanks to the great contributions by MQM during the Earthquake Relief Work. MQM by then was getting popular in Punjab and then 12th May happened and MQM had to close her offices thanks to the negative propaganda against MQM although by then MQM did got couple of seats from Azad Kashmir where couple of her member got elected to the Azad Kashmir Legislative Assembly where one of her member today is the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly.

Similarly the recent violence is not out of the blue too, MQM after abstaining from the Nizam-e-Adl Legislation (often dubbed as Nizam-e-Jahalat Legislation) won hearts of the people of Pakistan who overwhelmingly were against dealing with those who beheaded our soldiers, flogged our women publicly and molested the dead. The speech of Haider Abbas Rizvi, the deputy parliamentary leader of MQM shall always be remembered in history of the parliament as one of the most brilliant speeches ever by a parliamentarian and which reflected the real sentiments of people of Pakistan but just when there were huge signs of good-will for MQM around the country; the conspirators did what they are good at; and the peace of Karachi got disrupted. Unfortunately MQM against fell victim to the negative propaganda which this time the propaganda didn’t worked out against MQM.

Similarly showing great magnanimity the leader of MQM Mr. Altaf Hussain not only kicked start MQM’s activities and working in Punjab but has actually assured the Punjabi brothers that MQM will stop Talibans coming into Punjab and that MQM will give out unconditional support to the Government and Armed Forces against the Talibans and not only that KKF a brilliant charity organization of MQM was asked by QET, Altaf Hussain Bhai to work for the Internally Displaced People who are migrating from SWAT.

For as long as Pakistan remains an epicenter of terrorism, the future will see MQM remaining active in opposing religious fundamentalism and defending its city. The future is also likely to see support for MQM from non Urdu speaking Pakistanis, as they begin to see MQM in a positive light with regards to its active role in opposing religious fundamentalism. Importantly, a softer image of MQM will emerge as they continue to be the first party to send help to disaster prone areas, as they have done in October 2005 and October 2008. Recruitment of Non Urdu speaking members to MQM will steadily increase due to the recognisation of MQM as the only party that truly represents the ninety eight percent of Pakistan’s middle class and working class and a party that is working for democracy. In the future, it will continue the campaign outside of Sindh to clear the misconception of MQM in the minds of people who had been severely misguided by anti MQM forces.