SUMMARY
MQM (Muttahida Qaumi Movement: United National Movement, until 1997 Mohajir Qaumi Movement: United Mohajir (Immigrants’) Movement, sometimes MQM-Altaf, after its leader) is a mainly ethnic political party with paramilitary elements in Pakistan. As of 2007, it is the fourth largest party in the Pakistani legislature.
MQM was formed by Altaf Hussain in 1985, and originated in a Mohajir student organization at Karachi University. The initial goal of the group was to eliminate the quota system limiting the number of open positions in governmental jobs and education for Mohajirs (Urdu-Speaking Muslim immigrants from India in the aftermath 1947 partition) in favor of Sindhis, Pakistans native ethnic group. Later on, this goal expanded significantly into providing an ethnic-based political platform for the Mohajir community.
The party has the largest support base in Karachi, Pakistans economic powerhouse and largest city, where Mohajirs have been historically a majority.
MQM has been involved in electoral politics - with remarkable success - in 1987 it participated in the Pakistani local elections, entering the local administration in Karachi. Furthermore, after the 1988 general elections MQM entered Pakistans parliament, and even took part in a very short-lasting government together with Benazir Bhuttos PPP (Pakistan Peoples Party). While the alliance quickly shattered, Bhuttos PPP becoming MQMs main rival, MQM remained highly influential. As such throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the party continued to be involved in various forms of electoral politics, dominating the local councils in Karachi and Hyderabad and managing to enter the Pakistani Parliament (National Assembly) in all elections it has contested.
However, while MQM is a relatively successful political party, it also involved itself in violent activities, maintaining, throughout its existence, a paramilitary wing. Common activities of MQMs paramilitary were riots and violent strikes, mainly targeted at the Sindhi and Punjabi population, as well as extortion as a means to finance the party. Further, accusations of torture, beatings and politically-motivated killings mainly targeted at MQMs factions were common throughout the 1990s. Throughout the 1990s, a series of confrontations ensued between MQM and the Government of Pakistan, as MQMs influence in Karachi and Sindh was increasing. These events mainly followed the pattern of a series of violent riots and demonstrations that were met by the military through the use of force. This violence between the Government of Pakistan and MQM is described in the database as part of the Pakistan (government) conflict in the state-based category.
During one of these clashes with the Pakistani military, during an operation initiated by the Government bearing the name Operation Cleanup, MQM splintered. The newly formed group MQM-Haqiqi (the True One / the Authentic One) was formed allegedly benefited from significant support of the Pakistani defense structures, and would clash with the larger, original MQM in 1997 and 1998.
The main leader of MQM is Altaf Hussain. Immediately before Operation Cleanup, he fled to London, where he has resided since. Much of the central leadership of the party is also located in London, but is in constant communication with MQMs branches inside Pakistan.
MQM has been involved in the intrastate and non-state categories of UCDP organised violence.
