KARACHI – While Sindh Home Minister Dr Zulfiqar Mirza roared at a press conference on Saturday that he stood by his statement of target killers’ association with political parties, including the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Senior Education and Literacy Minister Pir Mazharul Haq accused the media of creating a rift between coalition partners.
Addressing a press conference at the PPP Media Cell, Haq claimed that there was no serious difference between the PPP and the MQM. In response to a question about the 10-day notice given by the MQM, Haq asserted that the two parties were members of a family, and could differ with each other on issues.
Earlier, Mirza said that anybody, including the MQM, could provide recordings of his speech on target killers to the PPP leadership. “Our government and party leadership is already aware of the speech, and I enjoy the confidence and support of my central leadership,” he said, adding that his party had taught him to speak nothing but the truth.
The home minister said that all culprits arrested for their involvement in targeted killings have formally been sent to courts. Now, he added, he prayed for the prosecution to properly follow their cases, and the judges to boldly hand down the “right decisions.” He claimed that he regularly informed his party leadership about reports of targeted killings in Karachi.
At the same time, Mirza lauded the role of the MQM in maintaining peace and harmony during Ashura. He said that while threats to peace would remain till anti-Islam elements existed, the situation improved due to the government’s steps.
Provincial ministers and advisors, Ayaz Soomro, Agha Taimur, Rafiq Engineer, Sajid Jokhio, Nargis N.D Khan, Rashid Rabbani, and PPP Media Cell In Charge Sharjeel Inam Memon were also present at the occasion.
