Mirza, Malik apologise over statement against MQM

Hussain

13 years ago

Taking U-turn once again, Senior Sindh Minister Zufiqar Mirza has apologized on his statement against the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) saying he regrets if his statement has hurt the sentiments of anyone.
In a statement, he said he gave the statement in his personal capacity and it was not aimed at hurting the sentiments of anybody.
He said “the Urdu speaking community is and will remain our brothers and we are like one family.”
Earlier, the MQM Coordination Council demanded Zulfiqar Mirza should apologize to Altaf Hussain.
A statement issued in Karachi demanded Zulfiqar Mirza himself should ask for forgiveness. The statement claim PPP was behind the statement against Altaf Hussain.
MQM also asked President Asif Zardari to sack Zulfiqar Mirza for the issuing such a statement from his post.Earlier Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik also apologized for Zulfiqar Mirza’s statement.
Speaking to media representatives in Islamabad, Malik said that the party leadership is shocked over Dr Mirza’s statement and added that Urdu speaking people are not only part of MQM but are also members in other parties including PPP as well.
He added that one should not forget and ignore the sacrifices rendered by the Urdu-speaking community in the making of Pakistan and said that after the passage of 65 years, such hurtful comments are not fair.
Malik said that Mirza’s statement has been disapproved at all party levels. He said that Altaf Hussain is an eminent leader and he would speak to him personally to lend a helping hand in bringing peace to the city. He urged PPP and MQM to remain peaceful and patient and work together in combating violence in the city.
“Altaf Hussain is a proven, unmatchable and great leader and he has a big heart; I request him to ask the people to calm down and show patience,” he added further.
The interior minister informed the media that President Asif Ali Zardari has taken notice of Dr Zulfiqar Mirza’s statement and has sought a report within 24 hours from Chief Minister Sindh.