Former senior leader of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Saleem Shahzad on Saturday announced to set a new political party to contest upcoming General Elections 2018. Talking to press outside the City Court, the erstwhile MQM leader unveiled his intention of contesting the next general elections with a new political party from Karachi's Orangi Town constituency. Exploring his plans, Shahzad said his party would also field candidates in other constituencies of the city. Referring to splinter parties of MQM, he said he was not willing to join any political party. "Obviously I need a platform," he added.
He said everyone is welcomed in his party other than those involved in 'China Cutting' and 'target killings'. "No dry cleaner would get party ticket," he underlined. He also announced to hold a public rally in Orangi Town on December 16. Shahzad was among many MQM leaders who had distanced themselves with the party founder Altaf Hussain following his August 14, 2016's "anti-Pakistan" speech.
A week after MQM founder Altaf Hussain speech that stirred a hornet's nest in Pakistan, Shahzad announced to return to Pakistan with an aim to 'strengthen' MQM's breakaway faction, MQM Pakistan, led by party leader Farooq Sattar. Alongside Shahzad, the warrants were also issued against Pakistan Peoples Party's Abdul Qadir Patel and Anees Qaimkhani, who is now a leader of the Pak Sarzameen Party, in a case related to providing treatment and shelter to alleged terrorists.
On February 6, Saleem Shahzad was taken into custody at Jinnah International Airport upon his arrival from Dubai in different cases including escape from the country on fake ID card in 1990s. He was also declared as proclaimed offender in Dr Asim case. In October last year, Saleem Shahzad claimed that Pak Sarzameen Party (PSP) and MQM Pakistan led by Dr Farooq Sattar would soon join hands.
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