MQM initially targeted just the Urdu speaking people, who migrated to Pakistan after the independence in 1947. Since 1997, it has started to aim downtrodden masses at the national level, with a manefesto to improve low social and economic status of the Sindh. Although it has turned into a national political party, working in all major cities of Pakistan, its representation in non-Urdu speaking areas remains negligible.MQM boycotted 2001 municipal elections but participated in 2002 national election and secured most of the urban areas seats in Sindh province. Altaf Hussain supported, General Pervez Musharraf's U-turn on Afghan-policy after 9-11 attacks.In August 2005, Haq Parast candidates, supported by MQM, won the municipal elections in Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Mirpur Khas and many other cities of Sindh. The daily Dawn editorialAt present, MQM is an ally of President Musharraf in federal government but still has its own viewpoint on various issues including LFO, Kalabagh Dam and NFC Award. MQM tried to change it's policy which restrained it to Urdu speaking people recently,opening offices in other provinces including Punjab(formerly MQM was famous for anti punjab attitude)with no sucess.This policy according to various circles is an attempt by musharraf to strengthen his rule and has badly backfired. MQM was sucessful in winning two seats in Azad Kashmir national assembly,although most of pro-mqm votes were casted in the camps established for earth quake survivors in karachi and there was allegations of rigging but results were not challenged in courts