I think this was inevitable. From the outset, MQM didn't agree with the change. Saying it was biased and what not. And their separation from government only exacerbated their rightist view on the subject. The whole decision felt as if government wanted to show-off their precedence over MQM and maybe even scorn them.

The extent of bloodshed caught our Government off guard. Government was being pressed to resolve the issue. And it knew the solution, but was too proud to remedy it. The recent meetings I think were to persuade government to lower its ego, and take back its decision.

I am not rationalizing MQM's reaction. Government knew that MQM wasn't going to surrender. Their history shows they can get rogue. They are unyielding, and wouldn't mind killing a few people if that were needed. What was our Government expecting, a pat from Altaf Hussain?