KARACHI – All political parties must honour each other’s public mandate to promote democracy in the country, Punjab Governor Latif Khosa said during his visiting to the MQM headquarters, Nine Zero on Sunday. “A grand coalition of political parties is the need of the hour to eliminate extremism and terrorism,” he added.
MQM Coordination Committee Deputy Convener Dr Farooq Sattar, Senior Provincial Minister Pir Mazharul Haq and Sindh Law Minister Ayaz Soomro were also present on the occasion. “Karachi is a revenue engine and disturbance of law and order situation of this city has affected the economy of the whole country. However, all political forces need to display wisdom and a whole-hearted attitude to make peace,” he said.
The Punjab governor said that MQM chief Altaf Hussain’s struggle is a source of inspiration. “The PPP would carry forward the mission of Benazir Bhutto and Altaf Hussain and work for providing relief to the people of Pakistan. The PPP wants to end the age-old system through legal and constitutional steps,” he said.
Khosa paid homage to Benazir Bhutto for her efforts for democracy, proving that the right of governance is for the elected members of the public. “Indifferent attitude and political rivalry has damaged the country a lot,” he said.
PPP leaders Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto embraced martyrdom for eliminating drawing-room politics, and President Asif Ali Zardari was also behind bars for 11 years, he said, adding that Despite that Zardari raised the slogan ‘Pakistan Khappay’ to strengthen the country and the democratic institutions.
“The PPP leadership believes in the politics of reconciliation and Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani did everything for bringing MQM members back to the government setup,” he said. “On the contrary, dictators of the past have always availed the chance to damage solidarity and integrity of the country for their vested interests during the 63 years of Pakistan’s history,” he added.
Khosa said that the federal government has decided to cut Rs 100 billion from non-developmental funds and right-sizing in federal ministries to promote austere measures in the country. On the occasion, MQM chief Altaf Hussain told Khosa on the phone that he welcomes his appointment and stressed upon him to play his role in improving the law and order situation in Punjab and to curb the rising incidents of crimes against women, kidnappings and other heinous crimes.
He said that the MQM can free the country from the clutches of foreign aid. The MQM chief called upon all patriotic forces in the country to come forward and play their role for formulating independent and autonomous policies for the country.
He offered full cooperation for improving relations between Punjab and Sindh and assured the governor that the MQM would always be a step ahead in taking practical steps for removing misgivings and promoting fraternal relations between the two provinces.
