Visible split in MQM as London rejects minus-1 formula

LONDON/KARACHI: In what analysts are viewing as a visible split between the London and Pakistan-based leaders of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, MQM London leader Wasay Jalil on Thursday said that any 'minus-1 formula' to exclude founder Altaf Hussain from the party would not be acceptable.

In a tweet sent out today, Jalil said the party was nothing without its founder. He said that a resolution in the National Assembly against the party founder would not be accepted.

"Altaf Hussain is MQM and MQM is Altaf Hussain," he tweeted.

We will not accept Minus one formula on #AltafHussain
Altaf Hussain is #MQM & MQM is Altaf Hussain. We will not accept any resolution in NA

— Wasay Jalil (@WasayJalil) September 1, 2016

It was unclear if Jalil's tweet was part of policy being followed by the MQM London leadership.

Jalil's statement, sent out to his 80 thousand followers on Twitter, comes after the Karachi-based leadership of the party reacted to an anti-Pakistan speech by MQM founder Altaf Hussain.

Earlier today, MQM-Pakistan's Rabitta Committee held prolonged consultation on a possible amendment to the party's constitution, while Farooq Sattar said MQM lawmakers would present a resolution against the party's founder in the National Assembly over his anti-Pakistan tirade.

Meanwhile MQM Pakistan chief Farooq Sattar while addressing party workers said, “despite difficult situation, we have thrived. We won the district which we had lost in the past”.

He said that MQM was getting votes for the past 38 years and would continue to get for next 38 years.