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Interior minister apologises to Altaf Hussain
“I apologise for the misunderstanding that might have hurt Altaf Bhai”’ said Malik.
“I apologise for the misunderstanding that might have hurt Altaf Bhai”’ said Malik.
ISLAMABAD:
In a bid to calm the political waters and woo an estranged ally of the government, Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Thursday apologised to Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain over what he called a ‘misunderstanding’.
“I apologise for the misunderstanding that might have hurt Altaf Bhai,”’ said Malik without elaborating on the nature of the misunderstanding that caused the MQM to leave the coalition in both the federal and Sindh governments.
Malik said that he had telephoned MQM parliamentary leader Farooq Sattar to discuss the elections for the two seats representing the Kashmiri diaspora in Karachi in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir legislature. The MQM parted ways with the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party after Malik reportedly asked them not to contest one of the seats, both of which had been won by the MQM in 2006.
The interior minister did not confirm nor deny such reports. “Political parties talk with each other on various issues and if something has created misunderstanding with MQM, it would be removed,” said Malik.
Malik denied that the government had any role in postponing the elections in Kashmir, claiming the decision was made by the AJK Election Commission.
The charm offensive by the PPP was not limited to just the interior minister, however. Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, long used to playing the role of political mediator, referred to the MQM as “an old friend” of the PPP during remarks he gave to the press after attending the graduation ceremony of the Civil Service Academy in Lahore.
The reconciliation efforts by the PPP leadership came in the wake of reports that several opposition parties, including the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) were interested in forming a coalition with the MQM and might form a joint opposition whose sole aim would be to call for early elections.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 1st, 2011.
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Reader Comments (13)
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The keep-crying-until-mama-listens party is crying again and will be back in office with increased benefits. Don’t we just love Pakistani politics?Recommend
It is too late to say sorry. AJK elections are over. Who won and who lost is a different matter. The question here is that at the last MQM boycotted AJK elections.
Instead you say sorry to MQM, Mr. Altaf Hussain should say sorry to you for taking along unnecessary luggage for so long.
Now the cat has come out of the bag, which you people has been trying to put back into the bag.
Sorry dear Rehamn Malik. This is a reality. MQM won’t come back into the fold. PPP have lost a trusted coalition partner in the government.
Now you people should face the music. Your government will not fall until PML(Q) is with you. You better take care of PML(Q) which is the only coalition partner for PPP government. Recommend
Malik must apologies 98 times. Says altafbhaiRecommend
He is full of crap and all that comes out of him is also crap.Recommend
Interior Minister Rehman Malik in action again! No surprise there. Recommend
Yes, elections now would be great!
Pakistan needs to vote this year!Recommend
Even though the current government failed to deliver any relief and is getting abuses all across the nation,I would still want it to complete the tenure, and it doesn’t matter if they go with or without MQM,since PML-Q is still their to fill the gap and shameless Chaudhries of PML-Q would still want to enjoy all comforts.
Presently MQM is making so much hue and cry about AJK elections,but I wonder if the current PPP government completes its tenure,then what will be the turnover for MQM in elections of 2013, after the masses would have watched their dramas of in-and-out. Same goes for even PML-N whose majority may easily resort to Army or establishment’s help despite Nawaz Sharif’s criticism towards military intervention,and if Punjab doesn’t get divided into 2 to 3 parts then it’s a necessary lifeline for them else…..Recommend
Maybe Altaf Hussain should come back to Pakistan and and lead his party from here, I’m sure the time difference must cause a lot of problems for him in terms of communication maybe if he were here there would not be so much “miscommunication” . Recommend
sorry i was watching star wars…. thats why there was a miscommunication…..Recommend
Its too late Sir, now bear the brunt of MQM’s anger.Recommend
I think that the MQM has left the coalition for good now. There will not be a coming back. It is good for the MQM as it had to share the blame for the failure of the government. From the comments posted on various stories regarding the MQM I understand that some readers have a particular mindset about the MQM which they do not change.
MQM may have its weaknesses but there is no denying the fact that it has the potential to deliver to the public. The MQM has never disappointed its voters. Development works done by the MQM in Karachi have been admired by friends and foes alike.Recommend
@ Tanzeel: It wont make any difference. Infact MQM would feel isolated in this Nawaz drive Political arena! They gotta face the real music now. Keep watching the twist in the whole drama.Recommend
@ Maxi Bhaijaan
Supposedly you are not from Karachi …..If you are ,then might be hybernating .Recommend