Dr. Ishratul Ibad, former governor of Sindh and ex-leader of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), has announced his return to the political arena after a prolonged hiatus.
He plans to establish a new political party, marking his re-entry into active politics.
Dr. Ibad, a prominent figure in Karachi’s political landscape, served as the governor of Sindh for an unprecedented 14 years before stepping down in 2016.
Since then, he has been living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
In a recent statement, Dr. Ibad expressed his intention to engage with leaders of MQM-Pakistan (MQM-P) to join his new political initiative, setting aside past differences for a unified political effort.
Addressing the current political climate, Dr. Ibad criticized the government’s limited time to address pressing issues—a claim dismissed by government ministers who insist on completing their five-year term.
BMI, a Fitch Solutions company, has also projected potential instability for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s coalition government, suggesting it may falter within the next 18 months due to economic uncertainties.
Dr. Ibad highlighted the severe political and economic instability, noting that the security situation is also deteriorating.
“We need strict accountability against corruption to ensure economic prosperity,” he emphasized.
He warned that if governance fails, the consequences could be dire for the country. “The country needs stringent accountability now.
Both corrupt elements and those undermining merit must be held accountable,” Dr. Ibad asserted.
Dr. Ibad’s return and the launch of his new party are expected to add a dynamic element to Pakistan’s political landscape, potentially reshaping alliances and political strategies.
