MQM-P 'through difficult times internally', says Sabzwari
October 24, 2017
KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) leader Faisal Sabzwari admitted on Monday that his party has been "through difficult times internally."
Speaking on Geo News' programme 'Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath', Sabzwari said the difference of opinion was there in the past too, but it never came on media.
"Today, rest of the political parties are trying to break MQM-P workers away," he said.
The MQM-P leader said decisions in the party are not made on the basis of someone's wishes.
Denying reports of his displeasure with party chief Farooq Sattar, he said party leaders may have a different opinion on issues, however, there are no factions in the MQM-P.
Sabzwari's denial comes days after former MQM-P leader Salman Mujahid Baloch, who had recently been expelled from the party, claimed that there has been an evident divide in the party.
"One faction is headed by Farooq Sattar, Kamran Tessori, Qamar Naveed, Khawaja Sohail Mansoor while other one includes Aamir Khan, Faisal Sabzwari and Khawaja Izharul Hassan," Baloch had said during his appearance on programme 'Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath' last week.
"Farooq Sattar is the senior most member among us all and has a higher political repute," Sabzwari said, adding that Kamran Tessori is the deputy convener of MQM-P's coordination committee.
He went on to say that they wish their members of the National Assembly are not under pressure to defect to another party.
"Those who left the MQM-P for PSP have not yet tendered resignations [from assemblies]," he said.
"They still are members of the assemblies and file their asset details."
On Sunday, party chief Farooq Sattar threatened of resigning from the Senate if any party leader was taken to another "camp" again.
He was referring to MQM Senator Mian Attique Sheikh, who casted his vote in favour of Elections Bill 2017 enabling former prime minister Nawaz Sharif to head the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz in the centre.
Addressing a news conference in Karachi, Sattar said he has however taken resignations from some party leaders during a meeting. "[Now] the Election Commission of Pakistan should announce by-polls for seats vacated by those party leaders who have resigned."
He alleged it was Pak Sarzameen Party that was working to end the MQM-P's representation in the Senate, adding the time had come to make a decision as members of MQM-P in the Sindh Assembly were being forced to change their loyalties.
