Karachi in the 1980s: Nukta’s Faisal Khan on MQM’s rise and political turmoil

Nukta’s Faisal Khan takes a deep dive into Karachi’s turbulent 1980s, a transformative period in Pakistan’s political history marked by unrest and the emergence of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) under Altaf Hussain.

The video highlights pivotal events like the 1985 Bushra Zaidi accident, ethnic riots, and the tragedies of Qasba Aligarh, Orangi, and Pakka Qila, tracing how these shaped MQM’s rise as a voice of hope for the Muhajir community. It highlights how Altaf Hussain’s leadership made MQM a dominant political force in Karachi back in the day.

Covering the controversial 1992 Karachi Operation ‘Blue Fox,’ it unpacks the government’s crackdown on MQM and its lasting impact on Karachi’s political landscape.

Featuring insights on figures such as Afaq Ahmed, Mustafa Kamal, Syed Ameen-ul-Haq, Khawaja Izharul Hassan, Dr. Saleem Haider, and journalists like Mazhar Abbas and Mehmood Shaam, this is a compelling account of a transformative chapter in Karachi’s history.