Pakistan's MQM wins by-election, dismisses talks of troubles for them

The Pakistani party that has long dominated politics in the commercial hub of Karachi won a seat in a closely watched by-election, poll officials said and dismissed talk that its fortunes are flagging. The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) won just over 95,000 votes in the Karachi seat it has held for years, the Election Commission said. Coming second in the Thursday vote was the party of former cricket star Imran Khan. The MQM's critics say its supporters run underworld rackets. The party denies that, saying it is often a victim of the violence of its rivals. It also says it is a bastion against the spread of Islamist militancy. Party leader Altaf Hussain said in a message to his party workers broadcast on television that the voters have rejected the baseless, indecent and false allegations against the MQM.