As six more people were killed on Saturday across the city, bringing the death toll to 19 in the latest bout of political violence, President Asif Ali Zardari formed a four-member committee to initiate dialogue among political parties.
The committee will focus on continuing the government’s reconciliation policy with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Pakistan Muslim League – Functional (PML-F) and Pakistan Muslim League – Quaid (PML-Q).
The decision was taken during a meeting held at Bilawal House and attended by Chief Minister Sindh Qaim Ali Shah, Sindh Home Minister Manzoor Wassan, cabinet ministers and other PPP leaders.
The four-member committee includes Syed Khurshid Shah, Agha Siraj Durrani, Sindh Law Minister Ayaz Soomro and MNA Qadir Patel.
The president also called for activating district-level peace committees, comprising local leaders and representatives of law enforcement agencies.
PPP-MQM relations
Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani said the resignations tendered by Sindh governor, provincial and federal ministers of the MQM had not been accepted and therefore their status as ministers is still intact. Gilani said the law and order situation in Karachi is a provincial subject and the federal government is in touch with the provincial government to improve the situation.
Gilani said, “We respect the mandate of the provincial government.”
MQM blames ministers
MQM’s coordination committee condemned the latest round of violence and said the criminal elements had the tacit support of “some ministers.”
“Free movement of armed terrorists in Landhi and Malir and the police’s role as silent spectators has forced the MQM to believe that all was done under a scheme,” said Raza Haroon on Saturday.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 24th, 2011.
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Return Karachi to modern system it had (which needed to be further consolidated-with special boards coming under city govt purview) not to outdated form. Make elections Proportional Representation based. It is very clear PPP demoted Karachi's system because it couldn't come to power in Karachi. With a PR system it could be part of a party shared system. Karachi needs to prosper for Sindh and rest of country. After all as the landlords pay no taxes, it is Karachi's revenue that keep Sindh Government running after all!
We Pakistanis are having a nightmare in shape of present Government. Government is committed to do nothing except the dammit rhetorical lines we are hearing for last many years. Thousands of innocent people have been butchered and yet the conscience of Government is unmoving. Folks we are paying an expiation for our SINS.
If I vote , my vote will go to Imran Khan . But what if he fails us , we are doomed
Reference my earlier comments. The same applies to Baluchistan . Instead of using high faluting names like Aghaz e haqooq e Baluchistan , the Government should earnestly endeavour to solve the people's problems
Another committee ? The mass want their problems to be solved . As regards Karachi , the stakeholders all know too well what the problems are . But the Government neither the will nor the intention to attend .
Government should also try talking to public and be proactive in decision making. This delay they make in every decision is causing lot of anxiety and frustration among masses, which continues to erode regime's popularity. If only they can start working on universities again, I am sure they'll win back lots of urban votes.
and what about the issue of Balochistan....the PM offered talks but who will talk ?? when???
Like a Republic. Whoever idea it is it is great.