Muhajir Qaumi Movement

The Muhajir Qaumi Movement (MQM) initially began as a political and social movement championed by Pakistanis of North Indian descent residing in Karachi. The movement sought to eradicate feudalism from Pakistan and advocate for the rights and recognition of Muhajirs (refugees from India who migrated during the partition in 1947).

Etymology

The term Muhajir (Arabic: مهاجر, Turkish: Muhacir) translates to “immigrant” or “refugee”, indicating the origins of the movement as it relates to people who migrated to Pakistan from India during the 1947 partition. The word Qaumi (قومی‎) originates from Arabic, meaning “national”. Collectively, the movement was named to represent the unified aspirations of these immigrants in the national context of Pakistan.

History and Evolution

Established in 1984, the MQM quickly garnered significant political support among the Muhajir community in Karachi and other urban areas of Sindh. The mainspring of the movement was addressing grievances related to employment, education inequity, and political marginalization.

In 1997, the movement was renamed to Muttahida Qaumi Movement (متحدہ قومی موومنٹ) which means “Allied National Movement”. This rebranding aimed to broaden the movement’s appeal beyond the Muhajir identity, fostering inclusivity among various ethnic groups in Pakistan.

Objectives

• Eradication of Feudalism: The foundational goal was to dismantle the entrenched feudal systems in Pakistan, believed to be a hindrance to socio-economic and political equality.
• Social Justice: Efforts were made towards equitable distribution of jobs and education to marginalized communities.
• Political Representation: Ensuring the Muhajir community had adequate representation in legislative and governmental bodies.

Controversies

Since the 1980s, MQM has been embroiled in various controversies, including allegations of criminal activities, violence, and corruption. Despite these issues, it remained a powerful force in Karachi politics, symbolizing both as an advocate for the marginalized and a focal point of urban political tension.

Further Studies

For a comprehensive understanding of MQM:

• Akbar S. Ahmed’s “Pakistan: The Garrison State: Origins, Evolution, Consequences (1947-2011)”
• Zia Ur Rehman’s “The Detailed History of Muhajir MQM by Leaders”
• Stephen Cohen’s “The Idea of Pakistan”

Takeaways and Conclusion

The Muhajir Qaumi Movement illustrates the complex dynamics of post-colonial identity politics and urban ethnic conflicts within Pakistan. Its transition to the Muttahida Qaumi Movement has been emblematic of its attempt to move from an ethnocentric to a more inclusive national platform. Despite its controversies, MQM remains an essential part of Pakistan’s political landscape.

Understanding MQM’s history offers insights into broader themes of migration, identity, and urban political struggles in modern South Asian contexts.