The MQM is generally known as a party which holds strong mobilizing potential in Karachi, having traditionally been the dominant political force in the city. Muttahida Qaumi Movement is currently the second largest party in Sindh with 54 out of 130 seats and overall the fourth largest party in the National Assembly of Pakistan after the Pakistan Muslim League (N), Pakistan Peoples Party and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf.
The party has kept its influence over Pakistan's federal government as a key coalition partner since the late 1980s (1988-1990, 1990-1992, 2002-2007, 2008-2013)
The MQM is the dominant party in Karachi. It was founded in 1984 by Azeem Ahmed Tariq & Altaf Hussain. At the time of inception, MQM represented only the Muhajir community but after several years, the Muhajir Qaumi Movement changed its name to Muttahida Qaumi Movement, thus welcoming all ethnic groups of Pakistan into its folds.