Several political parties and groups in Karachi have joined hands to form an unofficial alliance against Muttahida Qaumi Movement and are reportedly backing Afaq Ahmed led Mohajir Qaumi Movement-Haqiqi – a move that has rung alarm bells for MQM.
Muttahida leadership has ordered its activists to be vigilant round the clock and establish new pickets on its unit and sector offices, sources have told Ummat.
Meanwhile, sources say, Britain for the first time was also giving consideration to Afaq group and had withheld visa for Aamir Khan – who recently dissolved his own group and surrendered to MQM- and wanted to visit MQM’s London Secretariat.
MQM become particularly concerned about possible return of Haiqiqi when Afaq’s group joined Liyari Aman Committee, Awami National Party, Sindh Dost Itehad and other parties to welcome outspoken former minister Zulfiqar Mirza at Sassi Toll Plaza at National Highway in the suburbs of Karachi. Haiqi workers carried portraits of Afaq and party flags.
Mirza, the dissident PPP leader, spoke in favour of Afaq and urged the courts to release him. Mirza said he would receive Afaq on the day of his release from jail and lead a procession to bring him to Landhi, the former stronghold of Haqiqi.
Sources say this announcement and unofficial alliance of opponents led MQM to initiate elaborate precautionary steps, including establishment of new checkpoints and increased surveillance of Landhi’s Sherpao colony, where most of Haqiqi activists took refuge to flee crackdown during Musharraf rule and maintained a temporary headquarters.
Muttahida was also keeping a watch on four other districts harboring Haqiqi workers, who are being protected by ANP and PPI and Liyari Aman Committee, sources say.
On the other hand, Britian has become careful in issuing visas to MQM leaders for the first time since 1992.
Sources say Aamir Khan, who was released from jail after apologizing to MQM leadership a few months ago, wanted to visit London to see Altaf Hussain and submitted a visa application.
MQM leader Dr. Farooq Sattar requested British High Commssion to approve visa for Aamir but his request and Aamir’s application still lingered at the diplomatic mission, sources say.
The delay was partially linked to new developments in Imran Farooq murder case but Britain is also giving consideration to Afaq and mulling whether it could afford to annoy the Haqiqi group while ensuring its interests in Karachi, they said.
In the past UK High Commission would immediately proceed visa requests with covering letter from MQM leadership.
Source: http://ummatenglish.com/exclusive/2011/09/05/fears-of-haqiqis-return.html
Muttahida leadership has ordered its activists to be vigilant round the clock and establish new pickets on its unit and sector offices, sources have told Ummat.
Meanwhile, sources say, Britain for the first time was also giving consideration to Afaq group and had withheld visa for Aamir Khan – who recently dissolved his own group and surrendered to MQM- and wanted to visit MQM’s London Secretariat.
MQM become particularly concerned about possible return of Haiqiqi when Afaq’s group joined Liyari Aman Committee, Awami National Party, Sindh Dost Itehad and other parties to welcome outspoken former minister Zulfiqar Mirza at Sassi Toll Plaza at National Highway in the suburbs of Karachi. Haiqi workers carried portraits of Afaq and party flags.
Mirza, the dissident PPP leader, spoke in favour of Afaq and urged the courts to release him. Mirza said he would receive Afaq on the day of his release from jail and lead a procession to bring him to Landhi, the former stronghold of Haqiqi.
Sources say this announcement and unofficial alliance of opponents led MQM to initiate elaborate precautionary steps, including establishment of new checkpoints and increased surveillance of Landhi’s Sherpao colony, where most of Haqiqi activists took refuge to flee crackdown during Musharraf rule and maintained a temporary headquarters.
Muttahida was also keeping a watch on four other districts harboring Haqiqi workers, who are being protected by ANP and PPI and Liyari Aman Committee, sources say.
On the other hand, Britian has become careful in issuing visas to MQM leaders for the first time since 1992.
Sources say Aamir Khan, who was released from jail after apologizing to MQM leadership a few months ago, wanted to visit London to see Altaf Hussain and submitted a visa application.
MQM leader Dr. Farooq Sattar requested British High Commssion to approve visa for Aamir but his request and Aamir’s application still lingered at the diplomatic mission, sources say.
The delay was partially linked to new developments in Imran Farooq murder case but Britain is also giving consideration to Afaq and mulling whether it could afford to annoy the Haqiqi group while ensuring its interests in Karachi, they said.
In the past UK High Commission would immediately proceed visa requests with covering letter from MQM leadership.
Source: http://ummatenglish.com/exclusive/2011/09/05/fears-of-haqiqis-return.html
