Because you need to understand what is going on in Karachi and also what MQM really wants. The question to answer is why is MQM so open to dealing with any party in power? Would you care to give it some thought or do you think its just a knee jerk reaction on their part to switch around for the fun of it? In my view and contrary to the common Pakistani view, which is typically idealistic and in some cases biased, MQM's outlook is essentially fatalistic and realistic.
The basic premise of this outlook is that MQM knows that it can not achieve a clear majority in Sind. Given this limitation, it has to make sure that Karachi and Hyderabad are governed and being the most dominant party in these cities, it has to make deals with whosoever is able to offer them enough latitude and flexibility to run urban Sind.
By sticking to a "principled" stance, I don't know what that is in Pakistani politics because not a single party in Pakistan can claim it, MQM not only brings on the ire of the larger political parties in the province, it also becomes ineffective in the eyes of its electorate. This problem is unique to the MQM. There is no other party in Pakistan that maintains this much leverage in the most significant power center of the country (Karachi) but at the same time is also a hostage to other larger political powers. When ANP wins, it wins KPK absolutely. When it loses, it loses big. However when it wins, it runs the province and that too completely. MQM does not lose in Karachi because of its electorate, but is hampered by its inability to win the entire province. As such, MQM has to make deals with anyone willing to do business with it. Be it the PPP, PML, military government and what not.
So the idealism is essentially a luxury that is not available to the MQM. Secondly, being able to work with various political partners is a sign of maturity. Karachi has to run. If the MQM took up antagonistic stances against everyone, there would be nothing but strikes in Karachi. Lets give credit where its due. Yes Karachi is not without problems and violence, but the reality is that on a bad day for MQM, the entire city could be brought to a standstill but it is not.
As to why MQM did not demand a Sind 2 in the past 5 years, it was because Zardari was playing ball with MQM. Currently, the PPP government in Sind wants to do away with the LB system as soon as possible and this hurts MQM. While other issues are ongoing, strong arming MQM into doing away with the LBs was essentially a red line for that party and thus Sind 2 issue was brought up. This is an issue that is just being talked up since AH said it. This draws silly reactions only if some party in Sind or Balochistan suggests it, otherwise these discussions about splitting up Punjab and KP have been going on for years and nobody bothers.
What really is the issue if Sind were to be split up?
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