Calling a ruse: Nawaz voices doubt over PPP-MQM rift

Says the truth behind the ex-coalition partners’ quarrel will be exposed once Sindh’s interim CM is named.

LAHORE:

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president Nawaz Sharif has questioned the veracity of the rift between the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and its former coalition partner Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM).

“MQM has quit the ruling alliance and decided to sit in opposition after enjoying power for four years and 11 months… this is not a simple matter at all,” he remarked, while talking to reporters after attending a marriage ceremony in Lahore on Sunday.

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz chief added that the truth behind the recent quarrel between the two parties would be exposed once the name of the caretaker chief minister for Sindh is announced.

Nawaz lashed out at PPP’s politics with regard to the Sindh Peoples Local Government Ordinance (SPLGO) 2012.

“PPP rejoiced and distributed sweets after passing the SPLGO, and did so once again after it revoked it,” he said, terming it the ‘worst form of hypocrisy’.



“No one in the country can digest this type of politics,” he added.

Asked about Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf’s claim that the incumbent Pakistan Peoples Party  government had done more in the service of the people than any other government in the country’s history, Nawaz replied the ruling party did nothing except leaving the country grappling with crises on several fronts.

The PML-N chief also snubbed Interior Minister Rehman Malik when asked about the latter’s statements on Lashker-e-Jhangvi.

Talking about Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan’s statements against the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), Nawaz claimed the former had been misquoted. He reposed full confidence in the commission, saying, “We have trusted the Election Commission of Pakistan before and will continue to express confidence in it in the future.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 25^th, 2013.