Tussle for influence among the ranks of Sipah-e-Sahaba in Pakistan

Although both groups -- Lashkar-e-Jhangvi’s chief Malik Ishaq, and Sipah-e-Sahaba’s chief Ahmed Ludhianvi tried to work out their differences in opinions back in September 2012, it seems now that the gap is widening, leading to more tensions and speculations.

Supporters of outlawed Malik Ishaq urged in a letter Molvi Ahmed to honor his end of the deal by sticking to the promises he made in September 2012. In their address, they reminded the Chief that the accord had been signed before Abdul Hafeez Makki and Khalifa Abdul Qayoom, two clerics who support the terrorist organization. Pakistan government long banned the group by labeling it under “terror organization”.

Pakistan believes so far that Saudi Arabia is financing both groups as to maintain a certain level of control in the region.

In September Malik Ishaq was sworn in as Vice-President of Ahl-e-Sunnat wal Jamaat – formerly called Sipah-e-Sahaba. Under the agreement Ishaq promised that Dr Kahdim Dhilloon - Secretary General of the party - would not meddle with intra-party electoral affairs given Ahmed Ludhianvi will agree to hold elections in certain districts.

 Moreover, under the signed agreement, the concerned districts would see the appointment of new-overseer or governor - chosen or nominated by Ishaq – Each governor with his assistant will then monitor memberships and the electoral process.

Both Malik and Ludhianvi would nominate local committee members to resolve issues and complaints. In the case such committees would prove unable to solve problems than both chiefs -- Malik and Ludhianvi -- would step in and take over.

Malik Ishaq’ supporters have complained that Ahmed Ludhianvi have failed to honor the agreement.