MQM-London behind Bahadurabad faction, says Irum Azeem Farooque

KARACHI: As the internal rift continues within the Muttahida Quami Movement, disgruntled party leader Irum Azeem Farooque on Thursday claimed the Bahadurabad faction has the backing of party’s London faction.

Ms. Farooque was addressing reporters after appearing before the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in connection with the hearing of a petition against deviant members of the party. The hearing was adjourned until March 5.

She said that attempts were being made to disqualify her to prevent her from voting in the upcoming Senate elections. However, she did not reveal whom she was voting for, but said that party does not matter and she will support those are competent.

She further said that she was approached by the party’s Bahadurabad wing. She added that factions within the party have confused workers about the party leadership.

“There are some (members) in the Bahadurabad group, who still have support of London (faction),” she alleged.

Farooque also spoke about MQM-P leader Salman Mujahid Baloch, who has been booked in a case of sexual harassment and blackmail, saying that the case was brought to her three months ago.

She said that the girl who has accused Baloch had approached her in December last year, and she had suggested her to file a complaint with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), but present all necessary evidence to support her allegations.

Therefore, she said that a case against sexual harassment will be fought in court and that Baloch should use all legal means to clear his name.