MQM-P chief Farooq Sattar takes back his decision to quit politics

KARACHI: Within a span of hours, Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) leader Farooq Sattar withdrew his earlier decision to quit party and politics after his mother made him to recall his announcement of severing his ties from party and politics.

During his hour-long conference some phrases brought smile and tears on the faces of party workers, he said; “My mother ordered me to continue serving Pakistan.” 

While Explaining that why he earlier announced to quit politics, Farooq said, "I had severe my ties with politics and party to save 38-year of my political struggle. My companions talked with my mother to convince me," he added.

Farooq Sattar announced to continue as MQM-P leader, saying, he will lead MQM-P, and his party would contest next elections with the same symbol of kite from the Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) platform.

He further said; "When we go ahead to do national politics, “we are pushed back towards muhajir politics". He added, "If Karachi runs Pakistan progresses."

"Engineered politics should be brought to an end," he said.

During his presser, Farooq Sattar categorically denied any link to the London Chapter, adding that, those are abroad, they do not belong to MQM-P.    

“I pay whole respect to the sentiments of party workers,” he added.

Earlier, the MQM-P leader Farooq Sattar had announced the decision to sever his ties from the politics and party leadership, saying he was not able to bear the burden of leading the party any longer. He had asked the party workers to elect a new party chief, drawing cries of disapproval from party activists.

Farooq Sattar's resignation had drawn emotional pleas and chants from MQM-P workers who urged him to take back his decision.

Earlier sharing details of his political career, Sattar said that he joined the All Pakistan Muhajir Students Organization in 1979.

He added that he was the head of the Senate’s third largest party.

I have a used Land Cruiser while Mustafa Kamal’s Land Cruiser costs Rs32.5 million.  

Sattar questioned where did he (Mustafa Kamal) get the costly vehicle and DHA’s residence and office?

I live in a house inherited from my father, who purchased it in 1968 for Rs25000.

The MQM-P leader requested the media to investigate the assets of the heads of all political parties, including PML-N and ANP.    

Sattar said that the Muhajir community and their mandate had been insulted yesterday at the Karachi Press Club. 

The MQM-P chief said that he had never misused his power for his personal interest.

Sattar said that he had never fled the country even in the testing times.

Earlier in the day, MQM-P Rabita Committee Deputy Convener Kanwar Naveed Jamil made it clear that the party would contest the coming elections under its own symbol and manifesto.

He stated this while addressing a presser after the Rabita Committee’s meeting here.

Speaking about the decisions taken during the meeting, Jamil said that the MQM-P’s name, manifesto, symbol and flag would remain the same.

He said that all the party members have posed their confidence in Farooq Sattar’s leadership.