Govt, MQM discuss formation of 'grievances redressal committee'

Sources say terms of references and role of the GRC were discussed during the meeting

LAHORE: A six-member delegation of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) called on government officials in Punjab House on Tuesday to discuss the formation of a grievances redressal committee (GRC) to address the grievances of the party regarding the ongoing Karachi operation.

The MQM delegation and government officials discussed terms of references and the role of the GRC in the presence of the Sindh Apex Committee, sources privy to the development told The Express Tribune.

Read: Govt to form 'redressal committee' to address MQM’s grievances: Fazl

Both sides discussed the process of the formation of the GRC at length and also agreed to hold the next round of dialogue to finalise it, the source added.

“Although it was agreed in an earlier meeting between both sides that the GRC will consist of political forces but the MQM delegation stressed for the inclusion of technocrats as well,” the source further said.

The MQM delegation was headed by party’s parliamentary leader in the National Assembly Dr Farooq Sattar while the government’s side includes Information Minister Pervez Rashid, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, PM's Legal Adviser Ishtar Ausaf Ali and Special Assistant to PM Barrister Zafarullah Khan.

Further, the MQM's delegation included party leaders Kanwar Naveed Jamil, Barrister Saif , Shabbir Qaimkhani and Wasim Akhtar, they added.

Meanwhile, Jamiat Ulema Islam-Fazal (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who has so far played a part of a mediator between the government and the MQM on the resignation’s issue, was not a part of today’s meeting as he claimed of bringing both the parties on the dialogue table.

“I have done my job and since both the parties are now on the dialogue table, therefore, they should try to resolve all the issues amicably,” Fazl said.

On Monday, the government had agreed to form the GRC to address the MQM’s concerns, while the Karachi-based party will reconsider the resignations it had submitted in Parliament.

Read: Fazlur Rehman to hold talks with MQM leadership, assures grievances will be addressed

Addressing a press conference after the meeting between the MQM and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Islamabad ended, the JUI-F chief had read out a joint declaration reached between them.