MQM & PPP to fight elections individually, but adjustments on certain seats

Both parties agree to let core committees restart dialogues on all issues.

LONDON: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) came to an agreement whereby both parties may adjust certain seats in the aftermath of the upcoming general elections.

A statement from the MQM on Saturday read that the decision was taken in a detailed meeting between the MQM chief Altaf Hussain and Interior Minister Rehman Malik in London.

Malik conveyed a message from President Asif Ali Zardari that although the two parties were no longer in a political alliance, yet the relations established during the past five years had not ended.

Altaf, who had recently gone on a tirade against the PPP, blaming them for betraying the MQM, reiterated that the old relations would continue in the larger interest of the country, particularly for promoting peace and stability in Sindh and for promoting the feelings of brotherhood among the people of the province.

The two leaders though decided that the core committees of both the MQM and the PPP would restart dialogues on all issues. It was also decided that while both the parties would contest general elections individually, there could be adjustments on certain seats.