Peace in Karachi and MQM

As expected, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) emerged clear winners from the country’s financial hub, Karachi. MQM has almost repeated its stellar performance of 2008, retaining all its seats minus NA 250, where the ECP is yet to decide the fate.
The big question now in the minds of common men in general, and businessmen in particular, is whether the MQM will be a part of the government in Centre and or province.
The situation is a whole lot different from what it was in 2008. The PPP back then, needed MQM’s support in the Centre, whereas this time around PML-N sits pretty comfortable for a simple majority. The PPP too is again in a position to go solo in Sindh having enough seats, and unlike previous elections, they don’t have the need to include MQM in the fold.
Should the MQM be left out with no role in either government, the people in Karachi feel could be devastating for peace in the city. In a likely scenario the PPP can invite MQM to form the provincial government, in which case it would seek MQM’s support in the National Assembly for Opposition Leader. The PTI stands almost no chance to join hands with either of MQM or PPP, which makes a PPP-MQM coalition in Sindh a highly likely scenario, which in turn would earn PPP the Opposition Leader.
On the flip-side, the MQM would demand local bodies elections from the PPP – a demand on the non-materialisation of which the MQM had left the PPP coalition earlier this year. The PPP toyed with MQM in its previous tenure on the local body elections, and little suggests that it would act any different this time around. Will MQM be satisfied with the office of Home Ministry in Sindh without local body elections is a question, which would be answered shortly.
On an entirely different note, some circles suggest that the PML-N may extend its wings to Karachi and invite MQM to be part of the federal government. It may sound outlandish, given bitter history between the two, dating back two decades. The sarcastic congratulation message from the MQM chief to Nawaz Sharif didn’t help matter much either, but thankfully the PML-N didn’t respond in a similar manner.
What can PML-N gain by inviting MQM one may ask. One is peace in Karachi, which is essential for the country’s economic growth and business confidence. Second is a two-third majority, which could allow the PML-N to amend the constitution whenever deemed necessary. This won’t be an easy decision for the PML-N as not only will it face opposition from within the party ranks but may also tarnish its reputation. On the other hand, the MQM’s affinity with the Ports & Shipping Ministry is reason enough for them to join the PML-N in Centre without a second thought.
The recent tensions between the MQM and PTI in Karachi and rounds of press conferences have caused a wave of worry among the business community, which deems it ideal for the MQM to be part of the government. Whatever happens, there is no denying that MQM’s inclusion in either government is essential for peace in the metropolis.