Gilani apprises Pir Pagara of govt-MQM talks

Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Saturday telephoned Pakistan Muslim League-Functional President Pir Pagara, who is also spiritual leader of Hurrs, and apprised him about the ongoing negotiations between the government and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM).
The prime minister told Pir Pagara that the government would pursue the policy of reconciliation with all political groups to avert any damage to democracy. He said that the MQM had been the government’s ally and supported it in the past during several important phases especially the passage of 18th Amendment.
Gilani mentioned meeting of President Asif Ali Zardari with Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad and hoped it would help clear air towards normalisation of matters. Pir Pagara expressed confidence that the ongoing negotiations between the government and the MQM would help resolve several issues, including the restoration of law and order situation in Karachi.

Official visit to Saudi Arabia
Prime Minister Gilani will pay a two-day official visit to Saudi Arabia from Sunday. He is scheduled to have an audience with King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz. The situation in the region and economic cooperation between the two countries is likely to be discussed during the talks.
The prime minister’s entourage will comprise Commerce Minister Amin Fahim, Senior Minister for Industries Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Barrister Masood Kausar and Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir. Gilani’s visit follows visit of President Asif Ali Zardari to the kingdom on July 21.
The iftar meeting of Prime Minister Gilani with parliamentarians in Lahore, scheduled for Sunday (August 7) has been postponed due to his visit to Saudi Arabia. New date of the meeting will be announced soon, the Prime Minister House said on Saturday.