Memon stays vague on MQM’s possible switch

KARACHI:

Sindh Minister for information, archives and local government, Sharjeel Inam Memon neither confirmed nor denied reports about the Muttahida Qaumi Movement's return to treasury benches as a coalition partner of Pakistan Peoples Party in Sindh.

"The MQM has been an ally to the PPP in the past and there would be no harm if they once again decide to join the treasury benches," he added. He said the terms and conditions about MQM joining the Sindh government appearing in the media were merely speculations. "The MQM can lay its terms and conditions after becoming part of the treasury benches," he remarked.

Review petition against delimitation

Memon said the provincial government will file a review petition against the verdict of the Supreme Court on delimitations in the province. "The constitution and law does not allow any sub-ordinate institution to interfere in the affairs of the provincial government," he said, while talking to the media prior to the commencement of the Sindh Assembly session on Monday.

The minister said that the 18th Amendment had empowered provinces to carry out delimitations. The Sindh government will therefore file a review petition in the Supreme Court of Pakistan against its ruling on delimitations.

Memon categorically refuted reports on winding up the ongoing targeted operation in Karachi. He claimed the crime rate in the city had declined considerably as a result of the operation and it was now up to the judiciary to punish the criminals who had been arrested.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 25^th, 2014.