KARACHI – The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has not yet decided about sitting on the opposition benches; however, the party is not happy over leaving the federal government, MQM chief Altaf Hussain said on Tuesday while speaking to MQM activists at the party headquarters, Nine Zero, and Hyderabad Zone Office.
He supported the Coordination Committee’s decision of quitting the federal cabinet, saying that future decisions would depend upon the government’s attitude. “The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leaders, who are always saying that they do not need the MQM in Sindh, should adopt a resolution in this regard and we would leave the provincial government immediately. If the government does not change its attitude for the better, then we would sit on the Opposition benches. If the government works for the welfare of the people, then the MQM would continue to support it.”
He elaborated on reasons for quitting the government, attitude of the PPP government, breach of promises and inappropriate behaviour of certain PPP leaders. He criticised the unwarranted tirade of Nawaz Sharif against the MQM in a public meeting in Muzaffarabad.
He said if the government considered the MQM a coalition partner, then it must realise that coalition partners are not treated like enemies or strangers. “I ask President Zardari, Prime Minister Gilani and other enlightened leaders of PPP to put their affairs in order and work for the welfare and prosperity of the country.” He said the ball was now in the court of the PPP and everything depended upon its decision.
KARACHI/ISLAMABAD – Condemning Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif for criticising the MQM in a public meeting in Muzaffarabad, party chief Altaf Hussain on Tuesday challenged the PML-N leader for an open debate with him on private television channels.
The PML-N accepted the challenge. In a brief telephonic talk with a private TV channel, PML-N spokesman Parvez Rashid said his party had accepted Altaf’s challenge, adding that “we are also ready to face him at any time and place of his choice”.
“Our party wants peace in the country. The PML-N leadership will reach the venue of MQM’s choice on a given date for the debate,” Rashid said. APP
