Zardari, Gilani discuss MQM and ‘Plan B’

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Tuesday gave final touches to a reconciliation strategy with the Pakistan People’s Party’s major coalition partner – the Mutahidda Qaumi Movement (MQM) – as well as a contingency plan in case the MQM decided to part ways with the government in the near future.
An informed source told Pakistan Today that during the crucial meeting held at the Presidency, the two leaders agreed that in case of any negative development vis-a-vis the MQM, the party would opt for a ‘Plan B’ to ensure the stability of the system. “Both leaders agreed that the government would not allow any party to blackmail the coalition government on petty matters and resolved that in case the MQM departed, the government would go for other options,” the source added.
The two also agreed that the government should keep in touch with the leadership of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl for its return to the coalition government. The source said Zardari informed Gilani that on his return from Turkey, he would play his role in addressing the grievances of the MQM and would hold a joint meeting with MQM leaders and Sindh Home Minister Dr Zulfikar Mirza to bridge the gulf between the two sides.
“Zardari and Gilani also hailed the positive attitude of PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif in protecting the political stability and hoped that other political leaders would also display political maturity like Nawaz,” the source said. “President Zardari greeted the prime minister on the preparation of a unanimous 19th Amendment bill, saying it would add a golden chapter to the country’s legislative history,” added the source.
“Both leaders also expressed their satisfaction over the successful missile test of Ghauri (Hataf-V) and said it was a historic achievement and the entire nation, scientists and officials should be commended on the success,” said the source. The source said the meeting also discussed the upcoming meeting of the party’s central executive committee on December 26 in Naudero.