Forget about PTI who genuinely personifies the ideas and vision of the educated and middle class Karachiites, in a free and fair elections in Karachi, even PMLN can get a breakthrough there. I don't think they are unaware of their potential to go outside of Punjab. You can say that PMLN wasn't really prepared to tackle the PTI threat in the recent election, they didn't anticipate such massive nationwide support Imran would end up having. Otherwise there's absolutely no reason why PMLN doesn't want to have a vote bank outside of Punjab when they obviously can. As with PMLN going with MQM to curb PTI influence, elections is not until five years and if PMLN wanted, they could've literally finished PTI by not allowing them to form government in KPK. They certainly had an option and most people were even convinced that this is what they will do.
As far as PTI and Karachi is concerned, at most MQM can only use violence and intimidation to wipe all PTI activists and sympathizers from and Karachi and the political violence in Karachi doesn't make federal government look any better either. If anything it's the central government that finds itself under tremendous pressure to act. Besides, if PTI manages to reform KPK according to their election manifesto, even everyone's favourite good old yahoodis and their conspiracies won't be able to stop PTI's support (if not votes) from doubling up in Karachi.
Btw, I almost feel people are giving too much credit to PMLN, who is to that PMLN won't back stab MQM? They don't need MQM in any way or form and if anything it's MQM who is desperate for some moral support and goodwill. They could blackmail PPP, use violence and one phone call from London by a British national could turn Karachi into a warzone but exactly what can they do to keep PMLN on its toes? Nothing really. MQM exposing itself and Karachi burning in some way only proves PMLN's age old main selling point that - despite bordering their worst enemies - they're doing a great job at keeping Punjab together and Lahore all pretty and prosperous. Isn't this exactly the kind of perception Imran has decided to challenge through KPK?
I'd personally go with Sethi's view that PMLN is only doing this to add some credibility into presidential elections and make it look like a truly national affair by shaking hands with different parties and in some ways it's just their way of sending a message to PPP. Cameron and Hague's visit is history now, I'm sure decision regarding Altaf Hussian has already been taken regardless of the fact, what exactly it is.
It's so ridiculous and hilarious at the same time.
From "that's it, Pakistan will break up into loads of pieces now that democracy is here" to "jiiiyyyyeeeeee any type of jamhooooooriyat that gives Mutahidda the center stage".
If by joining hands PMLN is not able to bring peace to the city, it would still not help the party as well as MQM in the next elections. I am pretty sure people of the city don't care if MQM gets its share of few ministries in the Center and province. The basic problem of the city is peace and extortion.
..LOL ...
PTI has made inroads in Karachi and that hurts and debunks the notion that Karachi goes only for MQM .
true ...this serious Dent is not visible in terms of Seats , but a pessimestic estimate is around 35% vote cut .
...and yes ..... MQMers vote like Zombies ..
last Ramzan , a girl was shot near Donisil North Nazimabad , someone overpowered the culprit .....and guess what .... a few persons from around came along and said .... " ...... janay doo apna hi bachaa hey...." ....
can someone support this unholy alliance! ridiculous!
from the day MQM joins fed govt, PMLN will be equal partner in the killings in Karachi.
when they had best ever chance in last 5 years to put this cult where it belongs, they came to rescue it! pathetic Karachi policy PMLN
..LOL ...
PTI has made inroads in Karachi and that hurts and debunks the notion that Karachi goes only for MQM .
true ...this serious Dent is not visible in terms of Seats , but a pessimestic estimate is around 35% vote cut .
...and yes ..... ..
last Ramzan , a girl was shot near Donisil North Nazimabad , someone overpowered the culprit .....and guess what .... a few persons from around came along and said .... " ...... janay doo apna hi bachaa hey...." ....
Afat, what say you of your own interior Sindh where sindhis vote for PPP, that isn't even Bhutto anymore, in droves? Heck, give a chance to Fatima if you are consistent with the Bhutto name.
You can't counter any one of my arguments so bring the ethnic card like Zardari. That Afat justifies quota system as righting a wrong but he has yet to morally and logically explain "the right" that was done by the govt taking over PRIVATE BUSINESSES that had nothing to do with quota system ever and giving them to other on "quota". Challo lagay raho but what has it achieved for interior Sindh? While Punjab and even Pashtuns surge ahead (forget Karachi), interior Sindh rots away day by day all because people are addicted.
thali kaa baigan thaal ke PML-N corner meN aa gayaa! 