MQM turns down invitation to join Sindh government, PPP denies making offer
MQM claims to have rejected PPP's offer of a coalition.
MQM claims to have rejected PPP's offer of a coalition. PHOTO: FILE
The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) on Friday claimed that it had rejected an offer to join the coalition government in Sindh led by the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), who in turn denied having ever made the offer, Express News reported.
Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memon denied on Friday that the PPP had invited MQM to join the Sindh government.
The minister made the statement after representatives of both parties met each other in the United Arab Emirates.
Memon claimed it was MQM who had expressed the desire to meet PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari, going on to explain that mutual discussions between the parties were a common occurrence.
The meeting was attended by Zardari, Faryal Talpur and Rehman Malik from the PPP whereas the MQM delegation comprised of Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Adil Siddiqui, Babar Ghauri and Sindh Governor Ishratul Ebad.
Rehman Malike later tweeted saying it was a friendly meeting and a coalition never came under discussion:
MQM spokespersons said the meeting was just another part of the democratic machinery, which entailed that all parties stay in discussion with others.
On Thursday, Ameenul Haque, a member MQM Coordination Committee refuted reports of negotiations between the two parties saying:
“These are just rumours. Our leaders have gone on personal visit and they have not held meetings with PPP leadership.”
The two parties were on-again-off-again coalition partners in the federal and Sindh government between 2008 and 2013.
Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memon denied on Friday that the PPP had invited MQM to join the Sindh government.
The minister made the statement after representatives of both parties met each other in the United Arab Emirates.
Memon claimed it was MQM who had expressed the desire to meet PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari, going on to explain that mutual discussions between the parties were a common occurrence.
The meeting was attended by Zardari, Faryal Talpur and Rehman Malik from the PPP whereas the MQM delegation comprised of Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Adil Siddiqui, Babar Ghauri and Sindh Governor Ishratul Ebad.
Rehman Malike later tweeted saying it was a friendly meeting and a coalition never came under discussion:
MQM spokespersons said the meeting was just another part of the democratic machinery, which entailed that all parties stay in discussion with others.
On Thursday, Ameenul Haque, a member MQM Coordination Committee refuted reports of negotiations between the two parties saying:
“These are just rumours. Our leaders have gone on personal visit and they have not held meetings with PPP leadership.”
The two parties were on-again-off-again coalition partners in the federal and Sindh government between 2008 and 2013.