Coalition break-up unlikely

MQM considers severing its ties with the PPP, but Zardari rejects Governor Sindh's resignation.

KARACHI: According to sources the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and the PPP will maintain their political alliance, as President Asif Ali Zardari has rejected Sindh Governor Ishratul Ebad's resignation.

President Asif Ali Zardari has assured the MQM that its reservations will be addressed. Talking to Sindh Governor Doctor Ishratul Ibad in Islamabad, the president said he has ordered an inquiry into the target killings in Karachi. The two leaders also discussed the security situation and a recent surge in target killings in the city.

Earlier it was reported that the MQM was considering severing its ties with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and dissolve the coalition government.

An MQM Coordination Committee meeting was held in London and Karachi to discuss this issue and the situation in Karachi.

The Committee discussed the provincial government's attitude regarding the recent target killings in the provincial metropolis, and reports suggested a decision was reached recommending the MQM separating from the government.

The MQM has been repeatedly criticising the government for failing to take action regarding the ongoing target killings in the city. Last week, MQM leader Dr Farooq Sattar that “criminals backed by political forces ruling in Sindh” are behind the latest spate of target killings of its leaders and workers in Karachi.

“According to information available to us, one of the notorious groups of the Lyari gang war is involved in the abduction and killing of MQM workers and it enjoys complete backing of some important functionaries in the government of Sindh,” said Sattar.

Speaking to the media following a wave of target killings on September 20, Sattar expressed incredulity over the inability of the police or rangers to prevent target killings. He stated that this ‘free hand’ provided to target killers puts the blame for target killings squarely with the government and home ministry.

With the presence of police and rangers in the city it is remarkable that the target killers are getting away. I blame the government and the Home Minister for giving this free hand for target killings. Either we (MQM) receive answers, or we will assume the government and home ministry are behind this conspiracy.

In an earlier online message, Chief of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Altaf Hussain had asked his followers “to prepare themselves as powerful quarters have started moving against me. They want to remove Altaf Hussain from your fold”.