A violent clash erupted between rival factions of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) at the party’s Bahadurabad headquarters in Karachi, highlighting deepening internal divisions. One person sustained a confirmed gunshot injury, and several others were reportedly hurt. Police prepared a draft First Information Report (FIR) but have not yet registered it, stating they await approval from higher authorities.
The confrontation occurred on Sunday, August 2, during a meeting chaired by MQM-P Chairman Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, reportedly held to discuss Independence Day preparations. According to police and party sources, Mustafa Kamal and Anees Qaimkhani arrived with their supporters to hold a separate meeting. When party officials attempted to prevent their entry into the headquarters, the situation quickly escalated into physical fighting and gunfire both inside and outside the office. Workers aligned with the Kamal-Qaimkhani faction allegedly forced supporters of Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui out of the headquarters, who subsequently gathered at a nearby park.
The violence left Amir Ali, 40, with a bullet wound, and he was transported to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital. Other reports indicated the total number of injured ranged between two and four, including another worker identified as Asad. A television cameraman was reportedly assaulted, briefly detained, and had his camera confiscated while covering the incident. Senior MQM-P leader Aminul Haq also reportedly sustained minor injuries.
Karachi police clarified that no formal arrests have been made and no FIR has been registered yet. Officials stated that a draft FIR has been prepared, and a list of over 200 suspected individuals has been compiled as investigations continue. Once an FIR is registered, police will be able to collect forensic evidence, record witness statements, identify suspects, make formal arrests, and present the case before a court.
This clash represents the latest development in a power struggle that began after Mustafa Kamal’s Pak Sarzameen Party (PSP) merged into MQM-P in January 2023. Leadership reshuffles in February 2025, rival political gatherings in February 2026, and public exchanges between Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and Mustafa Kamal in June 2026 have steadily deepened these divisions.
Following the incident, Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui described the violence as a “misunderstanding,” while Mustafa Kamal suggested the dispute could be resolved internally. Aminul Haq promised organizational and legal action against those responsible. As a key member of Pakistan’s federal ruling coalition and a major political force in Karachi, MQM-P now faces renewed questions regarding its unity, leadership, and political stability.
