Sattar calls boycott of MQM-P multiparty conference strange

KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) leader Farooq Sattar on Friday said it was peculiar that all mainstream political parties boycotted their multiparty conference at the eleventh hour, ARY News reported.

Speaking to media outside an Anti-Terrorism Court here, Sattar said that his party had invited all political parties with a positive intention, adding that it was surprising the way all mainstream political parties boycotted the party’s moot at the last moment.

He said that the party leaders were not anticipating such apathetic attitude from the mainstream political parties as the leaders of these parties welcomed MQM-P leaders. “They accepted our invitation but we come to know their boycotts through media,” he added.

READ MORE: MQM-P to hold separate meetings with PSP, MQM-H

In a response to a question, Sattar opined that a corrupt-free parliament is not feasible until a transparent tax system is introduced. “The situation of the country would not improve with disqualification of a Prime Minister,” he asserted.

“How many parliaments will you dismiss, how many prime ministers you can disqualify,” he queried.

Moreover, the MQM-P leader announced that the party’s Raabita Committee (coordination committee) has decided to not collect sacrificial animal hides this year.

August 22 marks a year since erstwhile MQM founder Altaf Hussain made an incendiary speech to a crowd assembled outside the Karachi Press Club that led to violent clashes in the metropolis.

Following the incident, the MQM leadership in Pakistan announced to snap all relations with Hussain and restructured leadership to run the party from Pakistan.