KARACHI (Web Desk/Dunya News) – In an unprecedented move in the context of Karachi, the MQM-P on Sunday announced unconditional support to Shahi Sayed – the ANP Sindh chapter president – who is contesting the February 8 elections from PS-88 – one of the Sindh Assembly constituencies which covers parts of Malir district.
The development came after MQM-P Senior Deputy Convener Mustafa Kamal visited the Mardan House – Sayed’s residence, as the two parties which represent two different ethnic groups joined hands in the megacity that has witnessed decades of violence and divisions.
Speaking on the occasion, Kamal said the enemies in the past used to kept the Mohajirs [the Urdu speaking community] and the Pakhtuns way from each other, while igniting a clash between the two.
Promising to shut the doors to riots and violence in the city, the MQM-P leader – who is vying for two National Assembly seats – said the Mohajirs and the Pakhtuns shared same thinking, adding that they would work together to peace and development in Karachi.
“You may not be able to understand the significance of this development amid all the hullaballoo related to elections,” Kamal told media persons.
Sayed said he was grateful to Almighty Allah for witnessing the two parties joining hands for the people and asked the ANP supporters and workers to stand by the MQM-P wherever and whenever required.
Karachi, a multi-ethnic city, has become the main battleground in Sindh for the February 8 elections, as the megacity is offering 22 National Assembly and 47 Sindh Assembly seats, which means Pakistan’s largest urban centre would determine who will rule the province for the next five years.
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At the same time, the JUI-F led by Maulana Fazlur Rehman has become a major challenge to the PPP in upper Sindh. This political threat multiplied by the fact that the PML-N, MQM-P, JUI-F and GDA have reached a seat adjustment deal in the province.
The city has witnessed deadly clashes between the PPP and the MQM-P, as the Karachi-based party is accusing the rival of trying to snatch the mandate while using force.