Muttahida Qaumi Movement – London

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The Muttahida Qaumi Movement – London (MQM–London) was a political party in Pakistan that represented the Urdu-speaking Muhajir community. It began as a student group called the All Pakistan Muhajir Student Organisation (APMSO) in 1978, and in 1984 it grew into a full political party founded by Altaf Hussain. The party promoted Muhajir rights, secularism, and social-liberal ideas, and its symbol was a kite.

MQM–London had strong influence in the city of Karachi and played a major role in regional politics for many years. It often acted as a coalition partner in Sindh and at times in the federal government. The party built up social programs and aimed to address urban development and education, but its history was also marked by violence, clashes with opponents, and several internal splits.

Over time the MQM split into several factions. The main ones were MQM–London, led by Altaf Hussain from London; MQM–Pakistan, led by Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui from Pakistan; and MQM–Haqiqi, led by Afaq Ahmed. In 2016 a crisis around Altaf Hussain’s controversial speech led to a government crackdown on MQM offices, including the raid and demolition of Nine Zero, the party’s Karachi headquarters. Many leaders and members were arrested or split away, and the party’s structure fractured further.

There were also serious controversies and legal issues tied to the party, including money-laundering investigations in London in 2014, and social unrest and violence in Karachi during the 1990s and again in the 2010s. The organization faced accusations of extrajudicial killings and other human rights concerns, drawing international attention and criticism at various times.

On August 12, 2025, Altaf Hussain announced the dissolution of MQM–London. He said he was relieving all party workers from their oath of allegiance to him and letting them join any political party they wished. He cited ongoing repression, persecution of his followers, and the difficulty of securing rights for Muhajirs in Pakistan. He added that the movement would continue online, but the formal political party had ended. The MQM’s legacy is tied to its long, controversial history in Karachi politics, its kite symbol, and its red, green, and white colors.