Afaq Ahmed (Urdu: آفاق احمد; born 22 March 1962) is a Pakistani politician who is the founder and leader of Muhajir Qaumi Movement (Haqiqi) (MQM-H), a break-away faction of the much larger than Muhajir Qaumi Movement which later became Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM).[1][2][3]
Afaq Ahmed | |
|---|---|
آفاق احمد | |
 | |
| Leader of the Muhajir Qaumi Movement | |
| Assumed office 1992 | |
| Preceded by | Position established |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 22 March 1962 Karachi, Pakistan, Sindh |
| Political party | Muhajir Qaumi Movement |
| Other political affiliations | MQM (Altaf) (until 1992) |
| Alma mater | University of Karachi |
| Occupation | Politician |
Life and career
editBorn to a Muhajir family in Karachi, Ahmed graduated from University of Karachi.[4] While still a student, he joined the All Pakistan Muttahidda Students Organization (APMSO) led by Altaf Hussain. Later, when the APMSO became a political party under the leadership of Hussain, Ahmed served as the party's joint secretary. However, in 1992, owing to some ideological differences with Altaf Hussain, Ahmed left the MQM and announced the creation of his own party named Mohajir Qaumi Movement - Haqiqi.[5][6] Ahmed had to face serious consequences for this open rivalry with Altaf Hussain. His house was set on fire in the early 2010s and many of his supporters including some of his close relatives were murdered.[7][8][9]
He contested 2018 Pakistani general election from constituency NA-240 (Korangi Karachi-II) as a candidate of MQM-H but didn't succeed in winning and received 14,376 votes only.[10][11]
Resignation from MQM-Haqiqi's chairmanship
editAfaq Ahmed resigned from his leadership post in response to the election results which he claims were rigged. Speaking at a press conference at his house in Defence Housing Authority, Ahmed said, "We have failed to counter the conspiracies" and he advised the workers to choose a better leader.[12] He later withdrawn his decision after few days.[13][14]
Controversy
editImprisonment
editAn operation was launched against Mohajir Qaumi Movement in 2002 after they secured a seat of National Assembly from Landhi constituency. Even Altaf Hussain felt the fear that with the rise of Afaq Ahmed, his politics might fail. Afaq Ahmed was arrested in 2004 following the rise to power of the rival MQM in Sindh. Several allegations and cases were charged on him which later proved to be false. In late September 2011, the Sindh High Court finally granted Ahmed bail seven years after his arrest. The Sindh government refused to grant his release, citing concerns over the maintenance of law and order.[15] On 16 December 2011, the Sindh High Court declared Ahmed's imprisonment under Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) illegal and ordered him to be set free.[15]
References
edit- ^ "Those involved in Tahir Plaza tragedy should be brought to justice: Afaq Ahmed". Dunya News. 10 April 2021. Retrieved 18 December 2021.
- ^ "Afaq sees 'conspiracy' against medical college, hospital for Landhi, Korangi". Dawn (newspaper). 12 April 2021. Retrieved 18 December 2021.
- ^ "Afaq Ahmed demands new province in Sindh". SAMAA TV. 23 August 2020. Retrieved 18 December 2021.
- ^ "Afaq Ahmed". Pakistanileaders.com.
- ^ "1992 operation led to break-away faction within MQM". The News International (newspaper). 23 August 2020. Retrieved 18 December 2021.
- ^ "25 years on, MQM-H facing tough fight for political survival". Dawn (newspaper). 15 June 2017. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
- ^ "MQM(H) chairman Afaq Ahmed House attacked; 3 injured". The Nation (newspaper). 31 March 2012. Retrieved 18 December 2021.
- ^ "From the lanes of Landhi to the driveways of Defence, Afaq Ahmed moves into Phase V". The Express Tribune (newspaper). 23 April 2012. Retrieved 18 December 2021.
- ^ "Attacks near MQM-H chief's house kill six policemen in Karachi". Dawn (newspaper). 25 January 2014. Retrieved 18 December 2021.
- ^ "Has Haqiqi become irrelevant to Karachi's politics?". The News International (newspaper). 16 August 2018. Retrieved 18 December 2021.
- ^ "NA-240 (Korangi Karachi-II) Result". Election Commission of Pakistan. Archived from the original on 4 August 2018. Retrieved 18 December 2021.
- ^ "Afaq Ahmed resigns from MQM-Haqiqi's chairmanship". The Express Tribune (newspaper). 27 July 2018.
- ^ "MQM-Haqiqi's Afaq Ahmed withdraws resignation". ARY News. 13 August 2018. Retrieved 18 December 2021.
- ^ "MQM-H's Afaq Ahmed retracts resignation". Geo News. 13 August 2018. Retrieved 18 December 2021.
- ^ a b "Despite bail, Afaq Ahmed detained for one month". The Express Tribune. 28 September 2011. Retrieved 14 December 2012.
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