http://dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\04\04\story_4-4-2007_pg7_13
MQM to induce more showbiz personalities to join party
LAHORE: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) is looking to attract more film and TV stars as members, MQM sources told Daily Times on Tuesday.
Sources said that in a bid to make the party more popular in Punjab, the party would convince film and TV stars who were popular among Punjabis to join the party to ensure the presence of large numbers of people in its public meetings.
“The MQM leaders have taken this decision while keeping in view the fact that people in rural areas in the Punjab love to see showbiz personalities public meetings,” they added.
“A few months ago, comedian Umar Sharif joined the MQM. Now he is working as an adviser on social welfare to the Sindh chief minister,” sources added.
They said that Pushto film actress Musarrat Shaheen, singer Salma Agha, film and TV artists Saud, Javeria, Khush Bakhat Shujat, Meera and Habib and film directors Syed Noor and Sangita had already joined the MQM.
The MQM Punjab chapter information secretary, Ansar Bhuttar, said that TV and film stars were being inducted to the MQM because being a major ally of the government, the party was promoting President General Pervez Musharraf’s policy of enlightened moderation.
An MQM office-bearer, asking not to be named, said that showbiz personalities were joining the party in their own interest.
“Some showbiz celebrities are joining the party to exploit the MQM’s relations with Indian officials to join the Indian film industry,” the office-bearer added.
Talking to Daily Times, film director Syed Noor said that he was not planning to join the MQM but admitted that he was in touch with MQM leaders.
Actor Saud said that he and his wife Javeria had joined the MQM when they decided to join politics. “The MQM is the only party which is fighting for the rights of the downtrodden masses,” he added. He said that he and his wife would work for the welfare of the poor on the MQM platform. hasan ali