MQM gives PPP 10 days to explain Mirza’s tirade

KARACHI: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s Rabita Committee on Wednesday termed the JUI-F’s move to part ways with the government as the latter’s democratic right, but it also gave a 10-day notice to the PPP to explain its position on Sindh Home Minister Dr Zulfiqar Mirza’s recent “provocative” speech.
“The PPP should explain its position within 10 days whether Dr Zulfiqar Mirza’s provocative speech was based on his personal views or the party’s policy, otherwise, the MQM will contact its activists, supporters and the masses to seek their opinion on whether the party should remain in the government or quit it,” MQM leader Raza Haroon announced after the Rabita Committee meeting ended. Reading a written statement before the media along with other leaders of the party, Haroon said that if Dr Mirza’s speech is not based on his party’s policy, then why President Asif Ali Zardari has not responded to it so far.
He said that the MQM Rabita Committee has termed Dr Mirza’s speech as provocative and an attempt to divide Sindh. “The MQM will not allow any conspiracy to divide Sindh to be successful.” The MQM Rabita Committee has declared that the JUI-F’s decision to quit the coalition was its democratic right, Haroon said, adding that the party’s coordination body has also urged the government to behave with coalition partners as allies should be treated and remove their reservations. An MQM delegation would also meet the president after Ashura.
Earlier, Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah met Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan at the Governor’s House. The meeting was held a few hours after the governor arrived in the country after spending a week abroad.
PPP Media Cell Sindh In-charge, MPA Sharjeel Memon defended Dr Mirza by saying that the home minister has not said anything irresponsible during his speech.
“Dr Mirza is the senior vice president of the PPP Sindh and a responsible person. During his speech, he had mentioned information revealed by the law enforcement agencies in their joint report, which has been sent to the Interior Ministry,” Memon told the media after the MQM announcement.