Farooq Sattar set to make comeback with MQM-Nazriyati

KARACHI: Former Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) Deputy Convenor Dr Farooq Sattar has hinted at making a political comeback with a new faction of the party.

In a conversation with MM News, Farooq Sattar said he would set up the MQM-Nazriyati (ideological) and has already started preparations to participate in the next local bodies in urban areas of Sindh.

Farooq Sattar said he and his close aides distanced themselves from MQM founder after the August 22, 2018, incident as it would hurt the interest and image of party activists and the Muhajir community. Thus, they made the decision to disassociate and formed the MQM-Pakistan.

He said the Sindh government has been exposed during the recent rains while earlier PPP, PTI and MQM-P failed to clean the garbage from Karachi, suggesting the three parties want to take control but are unwilling to fulfill their responsibilities.

He said the garbage heaps are still on the streets, drains remain choked, while funds have been embezzled. As a result, the city was submerged in the rainfall in just half an hour, he said, adding there would be devastation if the rain continued.

Sattar said the new MQM party will provide tickets to the youth and give them an opportunity to serve in the local government. “MQM-Nazriyati office-bearers will be youth; they have the passion but lack the opportunity. Only the youth can serve the city, we will only guide and mentor them,” he said.

In a reply to a question regarding water crisis, he said K-II water project was set up when he was the mayor, K-III was set when Mustafa Karachi was city mayor, while the foundation stone of K-IV water project was laid down by the MQM.

He expressed displeasure over the delay in K-IV project by Sindh government despite being in power for the last 12 years. He said the Sindh government is unwilling to spend on the city despite collecting a chunk of tax revenues.

Farooq Sattar said he has written to the prime minister on numerous occasions and suggested to own Karachi but no attention was paid. He said the prime minister never called him for any recommendations despite his vast experience regarding the affairs of the city.

In reply to another question, Farooq Sattar said he will soon make an announcement regarding the MQM-Nazriyati and has containing party activists split under different factions to unite under the banner of the party.