MQM-P Divisions Can Only Be Resolved Through Party Elections: Mustafa Kamal

KARACHI:Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has acknowledged that differences exist within the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), saying the internal rifts cannot be resolved without holding party elections.

Speaking to Geo News, Mustafa Kamal said there were “definitely” differences within the party and that they had spread down to the grassroots level.

He said MQM-P could only be strengthened through party elections, which are scheduled for October. He added that efforts had been made to resolve the differences, although “there may have been some shortcomings.”

“Without party elections, these differences cannot be eliminated,” Mustafa Kamal said, adding that the party workers’ verdict must be accepted by everyone, regardless of who they elect or reject.

Responding to the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), the federal minister said the PPP did not need to worry about MQM-P. He said there were no differences within MQM-P regarding the Sindh government and that there was no confusion within the party over what he described as the PPP government’s poor governance.

Mustafa Kamal said the proposed constitutional amendment could have given local governments greater authority and resources.

“What benefit would MQM-P have gained from empowering local governments?” he asked, adding that if the proposed constitutional amendment had been accepted, local areas would have had greater powers and resources today.

He further said that the 28th Constitutional Amendment should not be viewed in terms of victory or defeat for any political party, but rather as a matter of “victory or failure for the country.”