Following the formal use of the term "Asal" by MQM's convener Mustafa Azizabadi, it became a part of MQM's identity. Subsequently, the newly formed faction had to use it with their name.
The claimants of being representatives of Urdu-speaking people in Karachi are currently divided into three factions. All three claim to be representatives of Urdu-speaking people and advocate for their supporters to vote for their representatives in the upcoming general elections.
After the founder’s speech in August 2016, the MQM further splintered. However, instead of forming separate factions this time, the fundamental party itself adopted its name with the suffix of “Asal.” This echoes a similar situation observed in 1992 when Afaq Ahmed and Aamir Khan separated from the MQM and formed their own party, which they named “MQM Haqiqi” (Real MQM). They deliberately used the term “Haqiqi” to assert that their party was the true representation, and the party they separated from did not truly represent the people’s interests.
Following the speech by the founder of the MQM in August 2016, when the MQM’s leadership in Pakistan announced their separation from their founder and leader, they renamed their party to “MQM Pakistan.” Interestingly, the MQM’s founder had to attach the term “Asal” to their own name. After boycotting the by-elections in Constituencies NA-237 and NA-239, a press release was issued by MQM’s convener Mustafa Azizabadi on October 18, 2022, marking the first official use of the term “Asal” in MQM’s name. Before this, the term “Asal” was informally used with MQM on social media.
Following the formal use of the term “Asal” by MQM’s convener Mustafa Azizabadi, it became a part of MQM’s identity. Subsequently, the newly formed faction had to use it with their name.
As this scribe often uploads a political vlog on their YouTube channel, supporters of the “Asal” MQM have insisted that I should refer to MQM London as “MQM International” or “Asal MQM.”
While MQM Pakistan was not allowed to participate in the general elections in February 2024, the MQM instructed their candidates to submit nomination papers as independent candidates. Afterward, Mustafa Azizabadi, MQM’s convener, revealed that MQM workers from Karachi and other cities across the country had submitted nomination papers. Despite submitting nomination papers as independent candidates, MQM workers fear they might face unofficial restrictions. This fear intensified when MQM’s senior leaders Nisar Panhwar and his son were taken from their home to an undisclosed location. Another MQM leader, Johar Abid Advocate, was also briefly detained but later released. Both of these leaders had submitted nomination papers as independent candidates on behalf of “Asal” MQM.
After witnessing the conduct of their two senior leaders, the founder and the coordination committee of MQM are contemplating whether it would be appropriate to participate in the elections. Before instructing to submit nomination papers, the MQM sought opinions from their workers and supporters regarding MQM’s participation in the elections.
However, there is a ban on broadcasting the MQM founder’s speeches and images in Pakistan, under a temporary injunction issued by the Lahore High Court. This ban is still in effect.
According to Karachi police, there are restrictions on the activities of the “Asal” MQM, and standing orders dictate that if any of their workers are found involved in any political activities, they should be arrested.
In such a situation, it will be challenging for MQM’s candidates to participate in the elections and conduct their electoral campaigns. Moreover, MQM workers could also face arrests. However, MQM’s workers who have submitted nomination papers as independent candidates are well aware that no action has been taken against them so far.
Last week, a meeting of candidates was held in District East regarding the code of conduct. The meeting was attended by officials from the Election Commission of Pakistan and law enforcement agencies. Interestingly, candidates nominated by the MQM London also attended this meeting and questioned whether they could use their leader’s songs during the election campaign. To which, they were simply told to adhere to the code of conduct issued by the deputy commissioner.
MQM founder said in a video message on social media platform X that he’s going to announce the names of his candidates in a day or two but his part appear perplexed if they should announce the names well before the day of elections.
The MQM London secretariat in a fresh statement said that Illegal raids and unjustified arrests on houses of independent candidates and workers are condemnable. Booking political workers in false drug cases and imprisoning them in jails is injustice, the MQM Coordination Committee said and asked the Chief Election Commissioner and Chief Justice to take notice of the situation.
In this scenario, the MQM London is still undecided whether or not it should opt for contesting the elections. Even if they do so, and their candidates fail to secure votes, the defeat of these candidates could have a negative impact on MQM London, leaving a lasting impression that despite their widespread support, they could not garner enough votes, indicating a significant decline.