MQM-P delegation fails to convince Farooq Sattar to resolve internal rift

KARACHI: A three-member delegation of the Muttahida Quami Movement – Pakistan (MQM-P) has failed to convince chief Farooq Sattar to resolve internal party conflicts, ARY News reported. 

The MQM-P witnessed further internal rifts after disagreeing on seats for the upcoming Senate elections which created another splinter group in the party. A session of the MQM-P on Monday ended in chaos Farooq Sattar and senior leader Amir Khan disagreed over the names of candidates for the Senate elections.

On Tuesday, a three-member delegation comprising Sardar Ahmed, Rauf Siddiqui and Javed Hanif met Farooq Sattar at his residence in PIB Colony. However, the meeting ended with the deadlock persisting and Sattar putting forward a set of demands.

The general workers session of the party was cancelled, and Sattar refused to come to the party headquarter in Bahadurabad, where the group led by Amir Khan exercise control.

Sources suggest that Rauf Siddiqui clarified that Farooq Sattar was indeed the party leader and they had full trust and respect for him, while Sardar Ahmed said that matter could easily be solved within themselves.

However, Sattar suggested that the session of the party’s general workers be summoned which will decide the matter. The deadlock persists even after the two-hour long meeting.

Second round of negotiations to convince Farooq Sattar

On the other hand, Farooq Sattar has written to the provincial Election Commission of Pakistan stating he should be issued forms for Senate elections. Sattar requested the ECP to issue him twenty forms as he was leader of the party, and said that he would select the party’s candidates for the upcoming Senate elections.

A second round of negotiations are being held to convince Farooq Sattar. Karachi Mayor Waseem Aktar said that the entire coordination committee will visit Sattar’s residence to convince him.

He said that Sattar is the leader of the MQM-P, while internal conflicts can arise and will be easily resolved in a conducive environment. He also two rounds of negotiations have failed to woo Sattar and now they will visit his residence to convince him.

Faisal Sabzwari, Nasreen Jalil and Waseem Akhtar are also part of the efforts to convince Sattar. A closed door meeting is underway at Sattar’s residence to resolve the simmering row.