MQM-P expels Senator Ateeq for voting in favour of PML-N

KARACHI: Muttahida Quami Movement – Pakistan on Sunday terminated the basic membership of a Senator for voting against party principles.

Senator Mian Ateeq Shaikh had voted in favour of the Election Reform Bill which was passed by the Upper House on Friday. The bill’s clause 203 allowing an illegible person to head a political party. The bill was passed after a divisive vote of 38-37.

The bill seemed to benefit ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif who could be elected as leader the ruling PML-N after facing certain legal challenges. Leader of Opposition in Senate Aitzaz Ahsan had attempted to change the clause but was rejected.

MQM-P chief Farooq Sattar had earlier expressed ignorance over the matter saying that disciplinary measures will be taken against those who violated party policy. Mian Ateeq also played down the matter saying that he should not be portrayed as a villain for the vote.

However, the MQM-P has now terminated the basic membership of Mian Ateeq. Sattar said that it was unanimously decided to expel him from the the party which implies that he will no longer be a Senator.

“It was a flagrant violation of the party principles, and we had to take some serious action,” said Sattar adding that they had taken a stance not to vote for the PML-N and in favour of Aitzaz Ahsan’s proposed amendment.

Two others senators, Tahir Mashadi and Barrister Saif, who had not voted have also been issue show-cause notices as they violated party policy.

Farooq Sattar said that Speaker National Assembly Ayaz Sadiq and federal minister Khawaja Saad Rafique had asked for their votes, but they maintained that they have taken a principle stance on the issue.