MQM-PIB & Bahadurabad yet to resolve differences

The two factions of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Pakistan-Bahadurabad and PIB -are still poles apart to remove their differences after signs of their merger surfaced prominently when both assembled together at Liaquatabad public meeting of the party at the start of this month.
Both sides stick up to their positions, which are stumbling blocks to merge the two factions, Business Recorder learnt while talking to sources on both sides of the party, which split into two factions in February this year due to dispute on awarding of Senate tickets.
PPP's public meeting at Liaqautabad triggered a sharp response and criticism from both groups of MQM, which led to assembling of two groups at Liaquatabad public meeting of MQM addressed by leaders from both sides. After the public meeting, both sides went back to their original positions.
Though sources confirmed that negotiations between the two groups are underway, however a breakthrough has not been achieved so far. In the last few days, talks at the higher level also came to standstill.
MQM-Bahadurabad group showed flexibility by inviting Dr Farooq Sattar, Chief PIB Group of MQM, to come and take over the charge of the party. However this invitation was sent with the condition that though Dr Farooq Sattar would be head of the party but the decisions about party tickets for next polls and registration of party would rest with the Coordination Committee of the party, commonly known as Rabita Committee.
Bahadurabad group hoped that this offer to PIB group would pave the way for overcoming the differences with Dr Farooq Sattar and his company. However, Dr Farooq Sattar -led group showed lukewarm response to this offer when it turned down the offer on the grounds that a figurehead status is not accepted.
Sources in PIB group said that offer of Bahadurabad faction is nothing but the one without any substance. Bahadurabad group wants the final say of Coordination Committee in awarding the party tickets and registration of party in its name. We don't need a powerless party head as Bahadurabad group wants, sources in PIB group confided to Business Recorder.
Sources disclosed that people like Khawja Azharul Hassan in Bahadurabad group played the role of a mediator to bridge the difference between the two sides. However Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and Amir Khan are acting like a "spoilers" and have put the process of reconciliation on hold due to their stance.
On the other side, sources in Bahadurabad faction of MQM Pakistan said that Coordination Committee wants early resolution of differences between them and offered PIB group chief Dr Farooq Sattar to come and take charge of the party. Sources said that Bahadurabad group is of the view that MQM should go into the next general elections on one platform and contacts with PIB group are being made towards achieving this objective.