Karachi violence: ‘Reconciliation key to normalising situation’

Latif Khosa says situation in Sindh metropolis affects the country

KARACHI: Governor of Punjab Sardar Latif Khosa visited Nine-Zero, the headquarters of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) on Sunday and called for reconciliation to soothe tensions in Karachi, saying it was the only path to progress.

Highlighting the city’s economic importance, he said that Karachi “is Pakistan’s economic jugular vein and its situation affects the entire country”.

Talking to MQM chief Altaf Hussain, Khosa said that his party had adopted various austerity measures, including a cut in non-development expenditure of Rs100 billion.

On arrival, the governor was accorded a very warm welcome by MQM-affiliated senators, members of the National and Sindh assemblies, Sindh ministers and advisers, a handout said.

Khosa also held an hour-long meeting with members of MQM’s Rabita Committee, including its deputy convener Dr Farooq Sattar.

The Punjab governor is also said to have conveyed messages from President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani to MQM chief Altaf Hussain.

Later, Dr Sattar said the governor Punjab appreciated the MQM’s growing popularity in Punjab and welcomed the party in his province.

He said that the two sides “have agreed to work jointly to bring political stability in the country, promote democratic values, work towards resolving people’s problems, poverty alleviation and elimination of terrorism and extremism.

“We will play our due role to develop harmony among the provinces and work for the country’s progress,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 24^th, 2011.