No political revival for 'Nine-zero'

Nine-zero, Azizabad, which was once considered the heart of political activities of then undivided Muhajir or Muttahida Qaumi Movement, since 1978, has now been 'prohibited' for any kind of political activities and there is no sign of its revival.

The decision has been taken at the highest level and the Sindh government will seek advice from the federal government over the status of MQM-London, following a 'confidential report' about the party faction’s alleged anti-state activities.

The 'prohibited area' also covers Nine-zero’s adjacent offices or areas like Khursheed Memorial Hall, MPA, hostel, Jinnah ground, Shuhada graveyard for any kind of political activities along with some other houses in the area, which authorities suspect were being used as 'shelter houses' for suspects.

Thus, for all practical purposes no political activity will be allowed in these areas, unless the final status of the Nine-zero and other related offices is decided.

While both MQM Pakistan and London have claimed the ownership of these offices particularly the party headquarters and Khursheed Memorial Hall, they have not taken the matter to the court nor have formally contacted the Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah over the subject.

A senior official of the Sindh government, when contacted hinted towards the 'unofficial ban' on MQM London, but having said that, these places had been forbidden from all kind of political activities to maintain law and order situation between the two factions of MQM.

What led to this 'ban' and what will be the ultimate fate of MQM's political activities particularly which relate to MQM London, who is facing an 'unofficial ban' remains to be seen.

“Yes, in view of the reports of the faction’s anti-state activities and links, the authorities have recommended restriction on all kind of activities of London chapter," a reliable official source revealed.

"We are against imposing ban on any political party or freedom of speech, but if there are enough evidence for anyone anti-state activities, the federal government must approach the Supreme Court and file a reference,' he added.

Known as the 'Markaz' of Muhajir politics, the 120-yard house for three decades became the symbol of Muhajir unity, though it was the residence of MQM founder Altaf Hussain, who has been living in self-exile in London since January 1992 and never returned. Later, he also opted for British nationality.

Nine-Zero, continued to dominate politics of urban Sindh and in the last 30 years, this place has been visited by almost all top leaders, whether they belong to a ruling party or the opposition, the last such visit was that of former president Asif Ali Zardari.

The change came for the first time after 2013 elections, when neither any PPP leader or PML (N) leader visited Nine-zero, which not only made MQM’s self-exiled leader frustrated, but it was the beginning of what was likely to come in the coming months. Despite some efforts from PML-N leader Ishaq Dar and MQM leader, Babar Ghauri, Nawaz Sharif refused to visit Nine-zero, nor had any telephonic conversation with Altaf Hussain.

When in September 2013, 'Karachi Operation' was launched MQM supported it and even demanded an army operation. Perhaps, it misread the operation as well as the political situation on ground. In the previous two operations and also during Governor's rule, Nine-Zero was hardly raided.

By the time Rangers raided Khursheed Memorial Hall and some other houses, arrested some militants and suspects, recovered arms it was clear that this operation would be different. The worst for MQM came when Altaf Hussain criticised the operation and also targeted the military establishment, which eventually proved fatal for his politics. This led to ban on his speeches, statements and it came as a result of a high court order.

The first setback for the party supremo came when some of MQM’s renowned faces, who had left the party after 2013 elections, announced a new party named Pak Sarzameen Party. PSP, headed by former city mayor Mustafa Kamal, attacked Altaf Hussain and his politics.

During all these cases against Altaf Hussain and his alleged links with RAW were the focus of media headlines, the MQM still survived, won by-elections and also local bodies elections.

Their last united celebration at Nine-zero, took place when MQM filed candidates for local bodies. In order to get their demands regarding powers to the local bodies etc the party staged hunger strike.

August 22, turned as the last nail in the coffin of united MQM, when party founder during his telephonic address raised anti-state slogans, which was followed by attack on some media outlet by party workers. This led to a major split in the party and MQM, Rabita Committee from Pakistan, distanced itself from his speech, which ultimately caused divide in the party.             

Although, there is legal hitch in this 'unofficial ban,' but it came as a result of a 'confidential report,' about the late night activities particularly at Khursheed Memorial Hall, prior to the first major raid last year, during which huge arms and ammunition were recovered along with many documents, allegedly containing details of the party’s militant activities, extortion etc. Some wanted suspects had also been arrested from the area and nearby houses.

The documents, which MQM denied, carried data of MQM sectors and units and the task assigned to them. Copies of some these documents available to this writer also revealed details of arms and ammunition. But, all this subject to legal course or may be used as part of evidence, in case the federal government decides to file any reference.

Sindh government on its part has taken the position where it supports any move to restrict activities of any party, given it has been proved that its activities are against Pakistan's national interest, but without any legal discourse it may find it difficult to prevent political activities such as the one witnessed two weeks back at MQM's Shuhada graveyard near Jinnah ground.

Former DG Rangers and now Chief of General Staff Lt General Bilal Akbar, during his tenure, had warned MQM leaders and asked them to shut down their post mid-night activities.

However pre-August 22, MQM leaders took the stance that since it has overseas wings and Altaf Hussain himself is in London, the party has to keep its offices open after midnight.  

Gen Bilal, in one of its presentations before the apex committee and also before the military high command had also given details of MQM London, its alleged links with Indian agency RAW, training of its alleged militants in India and also in  Balochistan along with proscribed Baloch Liberation Army, BLA.

Recent changes in the army made by General Qamar Javed Bajwa, clearly signifies the importance of Karachi, as Corps Commander Karachi  Lt. General Naveed Mukhtar has now been posted at an all-important position, Director General ISI, while Lt General Bilal Akbar has been promoted as Chief of General Staff.

Gen Bilal in particular had targeted MQM's alleged militant wing along with Lyari gang war and outlawed groups, but has been of the opinion that while the political causes in the formation of MQM have their own dynamics and their basic demands need to be addressed, it is the other side of the party in London, which led to the major crackdown.

While 2017 is said to be the year of 'election campaign' and massive political activities, the place which once dominated the urban Sindh politics and ran the show from 120 square yard house called Nine-Zero,  having Jinnah ground as venue for all its activities for all those who considered it as their 'Markaz,' now stands divided.

The writer is the senior columnist and analyst of GEO, The News and Jang.

Twitter: @MazharAbbasGEO