From Ethnic Identity to Fragmentation: The Political Evolution and Transformation of MQM (1984–2023)

Abstract

Muttahida Qaumi Movement has a distinct place in Pakistan’s political history. It evolved as a group that spoke for the Urdu-speaking Mohajir community. Later, it became a major political party in big cities. Over time, it also became divided into many factions. This article studies how MQM changed from 1984 to 2023. It looks at its historical development, its ideology, its fragmentation. This article uses a qualitative historical-analytical methodology using secondary sources such as books, journal articles, reports, and electoral data. It explains how MQM became main party for Mohajir community. It also discusses MQM’s alliances with different federal governments in 1980s and 1990s. Later, the party began to weaken because of internal fights and changes in the state’s policies. The article identifies important turning points in MQM’s political journey including its use of ethnic identity to mobilize support, its partnerships with central governments, and its involvement in situations related to state repression. The article explains that MQM changed its ideology from ethnic nationalism to a more urban and liberal approach. The findings show that ethnic identity can help a party grow fast but cannot create strong democratic systems. MQM’s fragmentation shows ethnic unity weakens when state gains more control.