Lawmakers from the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) resigned from the Senate, National Assembly and Sindh Assembly on Wednesday over claims of being victimized in the ongoing operation in Karachi.
The party’s lawmakers met National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq in his chamber where they individually submitted their resignations. According to latest reports, all 23 MNAs of the MQM have completed the process of submitting their resignations. Speaking to Geo News, NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq confirmed that he had received the resignations and said he was forwarding them to the Election Commission of Pakistan. NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq had earlier said that if the MQM legislators submit their resignations to him he will accept them after verifying each one individually. According to The resignations can be withdrawn if the operation is made more expansive; even though many people, including Farooq Sattar, initially believed they would be accepted immediately. That makes for a more accommodative stance after having shown some aggression. And it scores a point against PPP, especially after the bitter parting of ways from the Sindh government. Other options are more chaotic, not the least since the resignations have ignited yet another firestorm in and outside parliament. Just like the recent PTI controversy, some want MQM out immediately while others argue why they should stay. But far more significantly, there is the matter of the massive by-election that will follow. Pundits still back PTI to score significant points, which suits neither PML-N nor PPP. That would explain the reluctance to accept the resignations. It would also significantly muddy the waters in Karachi, making the operation that much more controversial. Rumours of serious rifts within MQM will not make things any easier, of course. In the presence of so many variables, it is important to focus on the constants. True, the Karachi Operation has gone a long way in restoring normalcy to the city. Indeed, it has reduced crime statistics to levels not seen in many years. Yet it is also true that it has not been as across-the-board as initially believed; at least not yet. And while Rangers should not be made to reduce their pressure, the political leadership must ensure any genuine grievances are addressed. That is why PPP’s position, that everybody must talk to MQM, was perhaps the sanest of the initial feedback. The coming few days will be very important, not just for Karachi, but also for Islamabad. Hopefully the political leadership is up to the test that has come its way.
pk.shafaqna.com
