Drama as MQM’s Sattar resigns

High political drama was witnessed when veteran politician and central leader of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Pakistan Farooq Sattar resigned from the party but withdrew his decision in a span of hours after deliberations and persuasions.

Sattar said he had decided to leave MQM Pakistan because the impression was given by his party’s central committee members that he had “sold out” the rights of the Urdu-speaking Muhajirs when he went to meet Mustafa Kamal, who heads the rival Pakistan Sarzameen Party (PSP), on Wednesday.

“The idea was that the votes of the Urdu-speaking Muhajirs should not be split in the next elections,” he said.

Workers in tears

While Sattar was announcing his decision to step down, members of the party’s central committee arrived at his residence and forced him to end his press conference. They were heard imploring him not to leave the party. In emotionally-charged scenes telecast live on TV, some party workers were seen in tears.

After several hours of deliberations with the party leaders behind closed doors in his house, Sattar emerged with his mother and wife to make a fresh announcement.

“I cannot say no to my mother and she wants me to continue working for the Mohajir cause,” Sattar said, adding that “So I am taking back my decision but I swear I did not do any drama.”