Changing sides: Fehmida Mirza joins Grand Democratic Alliance

Former NA speaker’s husband Zulfiqar Mirza had already joined Pir Pagara-led alliance

KARACHI: Former National Assembly speaker Dr Fehmida Mirza and her husband, former home minister Zulfiqar Mirza announced joining the Pir Pagara Sibghatullah Shah Rashdi-led Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) in a press conference in Karachi on Sunday.

The two disgruntled leaders of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) made the decision after meeting Rashdi at their residence in the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) area.

Addressing the press conference, the duo vowed to continue their political struggle with the GDA. Fehmida, on the occasion, said Sindh needed to liberate itself from the clutches of the 'corruption mafia'. "There is nothing like the PPP phenomenon [in Sindh] anymore," Femida said.

 



She urged the masses of the province not to go after personalities, but vote for those politicking on genuine issues and serving the people and coming up with their manifestos.

"There is a need to impose an education emergency in the province … a large number of youth in the province, if not given education, could indulge in terrorism," she remarked.

"I presented myself before the people of Badin on May 15 and they told me that whatever you will decide will be in our favour," she said, adding that it is time for people to change their fate.

"I ask people to think about the future generation and not vote with their emotions," she added.

While reading the TORs, she said that health and educational emergencies should be imposed in the province. No reservoir or dam is acceptable on the Indus River without prior consent of Sindh, she said, demanding strict implementation of the 1991 water accord.

"The geographical integrity of the province will be ensured," she said, maintaining that potable water will be provided as a basic human right.

 



According to her, policies to mitigate the effects of climate change and natural calamities and fair prices to farmers for agricultural commodities will be safeguarded.

"The corruption in Sindh over the last 10 years has eroded all administrative and functional institutions and hence the corruption will be rooted out," the former speaker added.

Rashdi's political alliance has demanded holding the general elections as per schedule as it would benefit everyone.

"We will take the GDA to the national level by introducing it in Punjab and by providing a platform to independents and small parties," Rashdi said.

"I have succeeded today as she [Fehmida] joined GDA after my persuasion. I was already a part of GDA," said Zulfiqar.

"I have challenged the myth and liberated people of Badin and now there will be a long queue of people who have wanted to exit from PPP," he said.