In what seems as a thaw in the tense relationship between the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and its estranged ally, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad called on President Asif Ali Zardari in the federal capital while several MQM leaders showed up at an Iftar dinner hosted by Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah at the CM’s House in Karachi on Friday.
A private TV channel reported that President Zardari had invited the MQM to rejoin the government, hoping that the party would unite with the government for the betterment of the people. The PPP’s overture was further confirmed by Sindh Local Government Minister Agha Siraj Durrani, who told reporters after the Iftar dinner in Karachi that the MQM was likely to rejoin the federal government before Eidul Fitr and leaders of both parties “will say Eid prayers shoulder to shoulder.”
Asked to comment on the magistracy system in Sindh, he said all reservations over the matter would be addressed through dialogue. MQM leader Raza Haroon confirmed that talks between the two parties were underway. “MQM also endorses the policy of reconciliation,” he added. Meanwhile at the Presidency, Zardari and Ebad discussed the law and order in Karachi and expressed satisfaction over the overall improvement in the situation.
A source told Pakistan Today that the MQM stressed on the need for a quick action against 500 criminals involved in ethnic killings and incidents of riots across Karachi.
PPP again woos MQM to rejoin govt, as Ebad calls on Zardari
