JI invites MQM to join ‘grand alliance’ in ice-breaking meeting

Leaders of two archrival political parties, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) and MQM, held their first formal dialogue at the former’s headquarters in Mansoora, Lahore, and agreed to maintain political contacts in future and work jointly for the security and integrity of the country.
The MQM delegation led by Federal Minister Dr Farooq Sattar met Jamaat-e-Islami chief Munawar Hasan and Secretary General Liaquat Baloch here on Tuesday during which the JI invited MQM to join the “Go America Go” movement and also to join the grand alliance for timely and transparent elections in the country.
Others present during the highly significant political meeting were Farid Paracha and Salman Butt from the JI side and Provincial Minister Faisal Sabzwari, Waseh Jalil and some other MQM leaders. The two sides discussed the prevailing political situation, in the context of Karachi and Balochistan, challenges to the national security and the forthcoming general elections. Later, while talking to media, Dr Farooq Sattar said that they discussed all the important issues with JI leaders and said the MQM had decided to contact all parties to resolve issues facing the country and build a national consensus to ensure national security.
He said all the political parties should work for strengthening of democracy, political stability and holding of elections on schedule or before in a transparent manner. He said they also discussed with the leaders of JI killings and lawlessness in Karachi. He said there was need for an agenda by all political parties which could give hope to the poor, improve economic situation and promote peace.
Dr Farooq Sattar demanded a round table conference to find out solution of problems to national security on priority basis. Munawar Hassan said they welcomed the MQM leaders at JI headquarters and hoped that contacts would continue between the two parties in the future. He pleaded for a grand alliance to ensure timely elections fearing that there were speculations whether the elections would be held on time or not.