Re-forging alliances: PPP invites MQM to join Sindh govt

MQM says it will take a decision after consulting party workers.

KARACHI:

Despite being formally invited by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) to join the Sindh government, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) is yet t0 decide whether it will become a coalition partner in the province.

On Sunday, a three-member PPP delegation comprising, former interior minister Rehman Malik, Pir Mazharul Haq and Makhdoom Jamiluz Zaman held a meeting at the MQM’s Nine Zero headquarters and invited the party to join the provincial government.

However, MQM’s Rabita committee said it will take a final decision after consulting party workers.

“The MQM will decide what is in favour of the country and its people,” said Deputy Convener of the Rabita Committee Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui.

Rehman Malik is considered to be a bridge between the two parties as he has resolved rifts between the two  parties in the past as well.

Talking to the media after the meeting, Siddiqui said his party’s workers were being targeted in Karachi and MQM conveyed its reservations about the issue to the PPP delegation.

The former interior minister said different mafias had taken control over Karachi and the provincial government was taking measures to uphold law and order in the city.  He added that PPP had no relationship with the Peoples Amn Committee.

“The Sindh government will take stern action against land mafias, drug mafias and Peoples Amn Committee.”

Malik said the coalition of the two parties in the provincial government was a good omen for Karachi.

“It is the need of the hour that PPP and MQM should join hands to bring back peace in the city,” Malik said.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 17^th, 2013.