PPP distances itself from Mirza, MQM criticizes coalition partner

Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah says all party members warned to stay away from Zulfiqar Mirza.

ISLAMABAD/ KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah said on Thursday that all party members have been warned to stay away from Zulfiqar Mirza as the former minister had no links with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).

Speaking to the media in Karachi, Shah said the PPP had a very clear stance on the issue and that he condemned Mirza’s statements.

Shah assured Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain of his support and appreciated his support for the PPP during hard times.

The chief minister said that Imdad Pitafi’s membership had been cancelled. Regarding Sharjeel Memon and his move to disassociate himself from Zulfiqar Mirza, Shah said that President Asif Zardari will take a final decision after meeting him.

Sharjeel Memon earlier denied being associated with Mirza’s plan and termed his UK visit a coincidence.

Speaking to the media, Memon said that he went to the UK on a personal visit and he was only answerable to the party leadership. He added that Mirza’s step was his personal decision.

He said that the party had the right to investigate him and added that people should come up with evidence rather than baseless allegations.

Memon said that he had a ministry because of the PPP and was ready to give it back whenever the party asks him.

MQM boycotts parliamentary proceedings

MQM leader Haider Abbas Rizvi says his party has boycotted today’s parliamentary proceeding to protest against PPP’s political stance.

Speaking to the media outside the Parliament in Islamabad, Rizvi said that the MQM had stood by the PPP during hard times, but the party had different intentions.

Rizivi said the PPP had declared the man who had used abusive language against Altaf Hussain a family member. He said the PPP had assured his party that action would be taken against Mirza for comments against the MQM, but instead Gilani had declared him a family member on the floor of the house.

The MQM leader said Mirza was given security protocol similar to that of a minister because his wife was speaker of the National Assembly.

He said members of the MQM will meet Zardari to discuss the issue.

MQM coordination committee to meet in Karachi, London

The MQM coordination committee will hold simultaneous meetings in Karachi and London today.

Sources said that the situation arising from Mirza’s departure to the UK will be on top of the agenda.

The overall political situation in the country as well as the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf rally in Karachi will also come under discussion during the meeting.

PPP values its partnership with MQM: Zardari

President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday said that the partnership of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) would continue for the welfare of the people of Sindh, the country and the democratic process.

He was talking to a delegation of MQM comprising of Dr Farooq Sattar, Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis, Babar Khan Ghauri, Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping, and Syed Haider Abbas Rizvi at the Presidency here.

Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah, Federal Minister for Water and Power Syed Naveed Qamar and Spokesperson to the President Farhatullah Babar were also present.

Briefing the meeting, Farhatullah Babar said Dr Farooq Sattar conveyed to the President the concerns of MQM about the statements and actions against their party by some elements associated with the PPP.

The president assured the MQM delegation that the PPP valued its partnership with the MQM and added that this partnership would continue in the future as well.

The president said Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah had also addressed a press conference this morning spelling out the party's policy and said the President of PPP Sindh had also taken disciplinary action in this regard against some elements.