MQM, PPP take their time to join hands

• Zardari supportive of MQM in ‘tough times’, however parties defer decision to join forces in Sindh govt
• MQM rejects Saulat Mirza’s revelations against party leaders, chief Altaf Hussain

With Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari also taking his time to think, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has deferred joining the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP)-led Sindh government in lieu of the changing political scenario in the backdrop of convicted target killer Saulat Mirza’s ‘confessions’ against the party leadership.

“The decision has been postponed for the time being. We have taken this decision in the wake of the current situation. We are monitoring everything and will decide accordingly,” said an MQM official as MQM’s Rabita Committee rejected Mirza’s allegations, terming the incident a “part of the ongoing media trial against MQM”.

“This video clearly shows that this was done to postpone his execution. He was forced to give statements against MQM so that the party could be maligned,” read the statement issued by the MQM’s committee.

The party said that the video released is first of its kind where a prisoner in a death cell is allowed to record his statements. “Never before has a video of a prisoner on a death row been played on television channels.”

“If this move is according to the law, why weren’t the videos of Dr Usman, who was involved in attacks on General Musharaf and GHQ, released?” MQM argued.

Earlier, MQM chief Altaf Hussain, Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad and MQM leader Babar Ghauri on Wednesday night categorically denied allegations levelled by Mirza.

“I have never met Mirza in my life. I am not afraid of trial or media trial. It is a conspiracy to damage the image of the MQM world over,” the MQM chief told a news channel while a spokesperson for the governor said that Dr Ibad had never protected any criminal or convict and it was not in his power to do so.

Defending his position, Ghauri questioned as to who had released Mirza’s video message hours before his execution and why. He said Mirza never visited his house and he had “fabricated a story”.

“Neither my party nor Altaf Hussain had ever asked any worker to kill anyone. I am ready to appear at any forum to clear my name,” he told a news channel.

ZARDARI SUPPORTS, BUT SCEPTICAL:

In the meanwhile, PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari has emerged supportive of MQM during “testing times”, however has put on his thinking hat over the issue of making an alliance with Hussain’s party.

Zardari telephoned Sindh governor Thursday and discussed current political issues including prevailing turmoil after Mirza’s “confession” against MQM.

“We believe in reconciliation policy and will continue doing so. You should continue to be the governor and I will talk to the prime minister on this issue,” Zardari said, adding that PPP will move along MQM to serve people of Sindh.

Moreover, sources claim that while presiding over a meeting at Bilawal House, Zardari said that they will wait and watch before forming an alliance with MQM.

Other leaders who attended the meeting were Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Sherry Rehman, Finance Minister Murad Ali Shah and Information Minister Sharjeel Memon.

“We believe in the reconciliation policy but should not make a decision in haste,” said Zardari.