With high hopes of facilitating the return of disgruntled Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leaders to the assemblies, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F (JUI-F) chief Fazlur Rehman reached Karachi Monday evening.
Fazl is scheduled to meet MQM officials today (Tuesday) at Nine Zero to convince them to take back their resignations which they tendered over alleged “excesses” committed during the Rangers-led security operation in Karachi.
The JUI-F chief had earlier said that MQM’s actions could cause a political crisis and that he will make efforts to defuse the situation, and will consult constitutional experts before approaching MQM.
Talking to reporters after arriving in Karachi on Monday, the JUI-F chief said he was hopeful that the MQM would take back its decision of leaving assemblies. “I wouldn’t have come to Karachi if I had lost hope,” said Fazl at the Jinnah International Airport.
Fazl said it was important for political stability in the country that MQM legislators return to assembles. He also said that the operation in Karachi should be “impartial.”
In an interview before departing for Karachi, the JUI-F chief on Monday stated that he was playing the mediator’s role for the sake of the Parliament, democracy and the system. He said he will keep in touch with the prime minister regarding MQM’s demands, whereas according to constitutional experts, the MQM lawmakers can withdraw their resignations before the speaker’s approval.
MQM sources said that the talks will be held at Nine Zero on Tuesday.
MQM’s 24 members of the National Assembly, eight senators and 51 Sindh Assembly members resigned from their seats last week in protest against alleged victimisation of the party workers. In response, the government urged the MQM to withdraw its resignations and assured its members that their reservations will be addressed but there will be no compromise on Karachi Operation.
MQM chief Altaf Hussain had earlier invited Fazl to the party’s headquarters in Karachi over a telephonic conversation Saturday. Both leaders had agreed to begin a process of dialogue to thrash out a solution to the crisis that has resulted in light of MQM lawmakers’ resignations.