MQM yet to take final decision on joining government

Release says MQM supremo's comments on power taken out of context.

The Information Department of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) on Saturday clarified that the party had yet to take a decision on whether it would occupy the treasury benches or sit on the opposition benches after a statement by the party’s chief Altaf Hussain on Friday was misinterpreted.

In a statement, the MQM said that their chief’s message to party workers on Friday where he had pointed out the quest for power for those who had won the elections and served in assemblies was but natural. One of the points in that analysis, the party clarified, were taken out of context and an impression was given that the party had taken a final decision on the matter of joining the government.

According to the press note, the party stressed it has not yet taken any decision about joining the new government or sitting on the opposition benches. All options in this regard were open and a decision will be taken in the light of the majority opinion of workers and public.

Earlier in the week, the Pakistan Peoples Party, who secured the most seats in Sindh’s provincial assembly, had finalised the formula for offering the MQM a role in the new Sindh government.

MQM won 18 seats in the National Assembly and 37 seats in the Sindh assembly.