RATO DERO: Sindh National Front chief Mumtaz Bhutto formally announced the merger of his party with Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) on Wednesday.
Speaking at a rally in his hometown, Rato Dero, in Larkana, Bhutto said, “Today I announce the merger of my party, which I kept alive with my blood and sweat, with the PML-N.”
“I consulted the executive committee and my friends and on their advice I have made this decision.”
Praising PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif, Bhutto said that his statements given on different occasions had impressed him.
Taking over the dais, Sharif said that the decision by Bhutto was a “historic” one. “Mumtaz sahib said that he has merged his party with our party, I say, PML-N has merged with his party.”
Reciprocating Bhutto’s statement that he will work under Sharif’s leadership, he said that PML-N will work with Bhutto under his supervision and leadership.
Sharif said that Bhutto always stood by his principles and never let his stance weaken, adding that “Nawaz Sharif loves him for this reason.”
He said that Bhutto had the same point of view on provincial rights as the PML-N. “Together we will build Sindh and build Pakistan. I am pleased to know that Mumtaz’s stance on giving more rights and power to the provinces is same as the PML-N.”
‘I should have gotten Sindh’s sympathy vote’
The PML-N chief said that he should have gotten the sympathy vote that the people of Sindh gave to President Asif Ali Zardari after Benazir Bhutto was assassinated.
“Zardari bagged the sympathy vote, otherwise, it was me who sat with mohtarma and signed the document to initiate a programme for the betterment and prosperity of the people.”
He said that he was the first person who reached the hospital where Benazir was taken and that he had met members of the Pakistan Peoples Party who had requested him to “expose the murderers of Benazir”.
Negotiations between Bhutto and Sharif over seat adjustments had reached a stalemate earlier as the former had sought the slot of PML-N chairmanship.
Sources in the PML-N had said the issues had been resolved through “alternate talks” and seat adjustments had almost been finalised.
Senior leaders of PML-N’s Sindh chapter Ghous Ali Shah, Saleem Zia and Irfan Marwat had acted as mediators between Sharif and Bhutto, while recent addition Marvi Memon is actively persuading other politicians to join the party.
COMMENTS (81)
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@Barkat: Mumtaz Bhutto never claimed himself to be a Sindhi nationalists, and neither was SNF a nationalist party; Their manifesto was confederation, for the whole country! How can a party with a plan for the whole country be a nationalist? It was limited to Sindh only because of their resources -The media call him and the party nationalist!
@Shaheer Malik: Are you a Bhutto? Mind your own tribe, God bless the Maliks! :)
Mumtaz who?
This is wonderful news, policy of Nawaz Shareef is very clear with no confusion. I wish may he fullfille the thirst of Sindh land and Sindhi people and bring peace in karachi and Pakistan. Great work done by Marvi and other team members.
what a pity for Mumtaz bhutto. hero of sindh now becomes zero.
how politics changes the minds of the leaders, only God knows better. we cant understand that. they never stick to their original and supreme decisions.
@ Critics: IK badly wanted Mumtaz to join PTI and ad callled him as well... NS vs. IK composed vs. ill-tempered mature vs. immature delivered in the past with real, worthwhile projects vs. claims n speeches never got personal or used foul/street language against IK vs. no talk/speech is without personal attacks, street language/emotional/hollow slogans NS problems: Issues vs. IK problems: Personalities especially NS & AZ
Zabardast!!! Now let pml n reign into Sindh and make interior Sindh a development zone .
@Pakistani i am not a PPP supporter rather i absolutely hate that party.I was just giving you the mentality of sindhi people.I hope and pray that sindhis use their brain this time and vote sensibly.
MB, you proved yourself hypocrate and work only for self interest. The soul of ZA Bhutto would be so unhapply, may be it was never before.
There is no doubt that this is huge JUMP for PMLN. Mumtaz Bhutto is one of most revered Politician of Sindh. His entry in PMLN will change the landscape of Sindhi politics. This is going to be huge blow for PPP in the politics of Sindh. If PMLN capitalize well on raising Sindh based issues, Sindhi vote bank for sure will swing to PMLN. Because we are very disappointed by the policies and politics of PPP-Zardari. This is time to change. Only time will prove if PMLN remain sincere to Sindh cause? Can PMLN really give a serious and sincere program for development of Sindh?
Bilawal Bhutto is also going to join PML- N soon :)
@Dr Waqas::If educated ppl like u thnk on these lines than i doubt we will move forward???.It would be great if u be more sympethic with PAKISTAN rather than PPP.ppl of sindh will vote for the progressive party not a distructive party whose aim to take revenge from PAKISTAN b/c there ZAB was killed in Pakistan(though it was wrong and justice to be given to ZAB) but that is the mentality of ppp.If doubt check the history of AL ZULFIQAR
Is he gone out of his mind!
It does not make any difference what any party does in sindh. People in sindh will always vote for PPP
Sindh needs to be emancipated from PPP.
PML-N and SNF alliance and merger is a real big deal and a threat to the coalition govt of MQM and PPP. Now all the seats of PML-N and SNF would combine in the Sind Assembly against the governing coalition! Wow, zero plus zero plus zero is still zero.
@asim:NS has right for it what wrong in it???PTI guys are furious rather disappointed for this wise decision of our fellow Sindhi!!!Good luck to PMLN.
@ all PTI trolls: now that he has joined PML N he is bad had he joined hands with Imran Khan (which he proposed and wanted) he would have been a hero... Khuda K Liye - get mature
This is nothing more than marriage of convenience.Both had chances to deliver but messed up instead.Keep your fingers crossed and hope voters will show them red flags .
great decision of mumtaz bhuto to join pml(n). wish you best luck.
Good decision by Mumtaz Bhutto. Gradually people have started appreciating the principle-centred stand of PML-N's leadership.
The difference between NS & IK is very evident and that is costing IK "a lot" now
NS vs. IK composed vs. ill-tempered mature vs. immature delivered in the past with real, worthwhile projects vs. claims n speeches never got personal or used foul/street language against IK vs. no talk/speech is without personal attacks, street language/emotional/hollow slogans NS problems: Issues vs. IK problems: Personalities especially NS & AZ
Nawaz wants power ...at any cost
Nawaz and his league can all the dead wood around and expect whatever any reasonable person knows one expect from such dead wood.
Adding prominent Waderas would not help the sinking boat of PML-N
@Pungi maybe it is PPP (Nawaz's Sindh Group) :d
I'm enjoying comments made by PTI boys; Burnol is the right medication for such kind of situation =D PML-N Zindabad!
A sum of zeroes!
Not a wise decision by Mumtaz Bhutto. He should have joined the "we have quotas for the lotas" party PTI, lead by the greater than the greatest imran '90 days' khan.
oh well i guess PTI will find hard to sleep tonight...... :)
If Mumtaz Bhutto join PTI then he will become hero,corruption less ,intelligence and more over an angel.
But He joins PML-N So he become enemy ,vilan,corrupt and devil.
Awake up pti troll dont support common enemy
He is one of the dying feudal of Sindh.. has joined PML (N) after being rejected even by nationalists to ensure his minimal survival.. he and his National Front are totally irrelevant to the poltics of Sindh..
fake tactics to stop PTI only.
I think this decision would annoyed PTI and its supporters.
@faraz: So, Mumtaz Bhutto is sincere and ‘live’ leadership?? What has he or Mr.Sharif done for Pakistan let alone Sindh? You are the one who is blinded by the awesomeness of Nawaz Sharif and his cronies! Come out of the delusion first, what have you proposed as a solution?
@Peer Sain: During a brief career in journalism in Pakistan, I had the opportunity of seeing Mumtaz Bhutto from close. He not talented or anything, just a wadera like his cousin ZAB. These waderas can't do anything for the people. For example, Mumtaz told UK paper, a year or two ago, that he makes $2 million a year from his lands and spends much time in Europe. And like a true PPP wala, he must have looted to his desire during the ZAB era.
@Beatle: What about character of Gilani and Zardari? And when will you guys come out of 'Shaheed Bhutto' phobia? This country needs sincere and 'live' leadership, not those who are gone and who too didn't do anything for the country!
@THE: Who has something to offer to Sind? MQM? PPP? What have they done for Sindh in last 4 years. Forget last four years, what have they done for Sind in last 65 years? Propose a solution otherwise don't object just 'cause you personally dislike some parties!
It is wise move By Nawaz sharif . I agree those comments that zero added with zero remains zero but just look beyond that. Now Pmln will try to do seat adjustment with PPP(sb) Group . And PPP(sb) will talk with a Sindhi Chairman of PMLN ( Just note that ) and That cahrman also a Bhutto . so I guess Every one understand what i Meant. This is a clever Card played by Miyan sahb which Cud Turn the table in Fav. of PMLN in Sindh. I cant say will taht card work or not for PMLN but it is a clever Move By Miyan sahb. U all just see the despredness of PPP on Miyan sahb's Arrival in Sindh. Yesterday CM gives a very funny statment. He said Under PMLN rule in Punjab Srilankan Cricket team was Attacked in Lahore In march 2009 . Hahahahahahahahahahahahaah. I guess Shah Sahb forgot that when Srilankan team was attacked Late Salman taaseer was Direct Rular and Zaradi was indirect rural of Punjab as there was a Governor Raj was immposed In Punjab at taht time and both Sharifs were Disqualified .
@Beatle: Didn't get you man.
Zero plus zero is still zero
People who said its not a good decision on part of MB are completely nuts. Still thier is wider chance for MB now to win Senate seat on PMLN ticket just like Mushahidullah Khan of Karachi does, No matter if he fails to win in elections as usual.
Enemy of the enemy can be a friend. Its a decision well thought after, a typical Mumtaz Bhutto stretegy to refrain an able punjabi by supporting an incapable punjabi.
Supporting uncertianities and the status quo is the prime objective of most of our politicians since this is kind of water there they can swim very well.
Memories of the PAST ==================. When Mumtaz Bhutto was Chief Minister of Sindh and Ghulam Mustafa Khar of Punjab, in the mid-70s, almost every week-end one actress of Lahore film industry would disappear, and end-up at Rato Dero (Larkana) home of Mumtaz. Some of them admitted later their kidnaping, and others kept quite for their name-sake. It was only inspiration by these repeated incidents, that "Awami" poet (Late) Habeeb Jaleb wrote this famous poem: لاڑکا نے چلو ، ورنہ تھانے چلو
He is respected by all but I am afraid to say where will he stand now after joining PML(N), which has never fulfilled its promises as per its manifesto. NOT A WISE & GOOD DECISION.
@Pungi, At least it is not same as changing Bilawal Zardari to Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
Apparently these people still have their brains stuck in old politics....
statements like "I should have gotten the sympathy vote.." show these guys still only think about playing the power game. They continue to lack any vision on how how to create a society of justice and equality for all and to form a large middle class.
Shaheed BB once told, with tears in her eyes, that when she and Begum Nusrat Bhutto were released from jail after the shahadat of her father, Zulifqar Bhutto, this gentleman , Mumtaz came to their Larkana residence to offer condolences. In this very meeting he proposed Begaum Saheba to marry him. Remember that she was still in ' IDDAT ' period at that time. You can well imagine the character of the guy.
Mumtaz Bhutto's political party Sindh Natinal Front was one man show party like few other one man show political parties in Pakistan.
After the death of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, Mumtaz Bhutto could not make any considerable space among the voters of Sindh and therefore could not come as a front line politician, except once, when he was offered to become the Chief Minister of Sindh.
I hope that Mumtaz Bhutto will not develop any differences with Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, like he developed differences with Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, what to talk about Mr. Asif Ali Zardari's Pakistan People's Party.
We will see how they can support sindhi peoples and there rights.
Disgraceful and disgusting! The Noora party has nothing to offer Sindh. One spent force joining another doesn't really make a difference.
Nawaz himself seems some serious after spending days far from homeland but rest of his party workers incl. parliamentarians have no interest in building Pak, all they are corrupt.
I had thought Mumtaz Bhutto to be an educated and sensible man who Zulfiqar Bhutto had referred to as "my talented cousin". And he is in awe of this man of vendetta who can't think straight is most surprising. As somebody wrote here "catching straws" "Doobthay ko thinkay ka sahara". Both will sink. I expected Mumtaz Bhutoo to show more sense, more vision. This is a stupid day in the history of Sindh. Nawaz only thinks of his seat and his business and will do every thing for himself and his business and may be his dynasty. Was Pakistan made for such people to thrive? He can never ever do any good for the people of Sindh nor Pakistan. Mark my words should he come to power. Save this somewhere.
wow wonderful a sindhi nationalist under a punjabi
All parties must join hands to create an environment unity... that will help to rebuild this great country Pakistan....!!!
congratulations to PML(N)
Wise decision...!!!
Change is coming :)
does it make any difference in Sindh Polictics? I believe answer is big NO. He only won twice from his home constituency in Larkana from PPP. one time by himself and second time by his son. his son won when he was acting cheif Minister...so I would not count that success........ so only one seat in his lifetime after PPP kicked him from party ...... apart from Larkana he do't have any say in Sindh... one should remember Mustafa Khar recent fate in Muzzafargarh.... the sher of Punjab even could not manage to get his deposit back from Election commission becasue he lost pathetcially from Dasti... Zamanat Zubt.....
What a development ... Mumtaz Bhuto is not Zero my friends!!! He was the Chief Minister of Sindh, He has no seats in present assemblies bcz he did not take part in the 2008 elections.
Yesterday that was in Garhi Khairo and today in Larrkana!!!
good decision. PML-N will bring change in sindh.
Advance answer to all PPP+PTI troll
If he will join PTI Then its become angel with out corruption the only intelligent person of sind and very good decision.
But When join PML-N Then its become devil,dump,corrupt and bad decision.
Be mature and open your blind eyes PTI dont become freind of common enemy
mumtaz many times said ON tv to change pakistan we need honest leadership i am sorry sir you are a hypocrite if you think nawaz is honest may Allah help Pakistan. and only reason he did not join PTI were hisr demand (self interest instead of pakistan ) i Salute Imran khan for not getting in to blackmailing which nawaz does not care about because he has no morals
Sharif said, “Mumtaz sahib said that he has merged his party with our party, I say, PML-N has merged with his party.” LOL...so this now PML(Nawaz) or PML(Bhutto)?
@Shaheer Malik: Of course, why not. When they can work under Zardaris, what's wrong with the Sharifs?
Bhutto shaib, I thought you were an intelligent person, one who I and many others have admired all these years. Many like me feel let down and are disappointed at your decision. Am not saying you should have joined the Tsunami but still should have thought before associating yourself with their chequered past.
One spent force joining another spent force. The answer is going to be zero
PML will get nothing by adding ZERO
Congratulations to one and all!
Good inroads by PML-N in Sindh..
Will it help PML-N?? I dont think so.
PML-N Zindabad
Good Development, policy of Nawaz Shareef is very clear with no confusion. I wish may he fullfilled the thirst of Sindh land and Sindhi people.
Regardless of the number of ZEROS added to any figure, the net sum remains unchanged. You have a typical example here.
What a shameful decision by Mumtaz Bhutoo. Now Bhuttoos will work under the Leadership of Nawaz Sharif.
Your headline should say Mumtaz not Murtaza. That aside . . . Mumtaz has made an unfortunate decision like Marvi. Sharifs are not decent in their dealings . . . they play dirty . . . like many others, they are part of the problem.
Clutching straws ...
PTI and PML N, Please storm through sindh and not let corrupt coalition to rule sindh again. Sindhis have experienced miserable governance during past 4 years.