MQM is straightforward, PPP is dodgy: Sheikh Rasheed

Rasheed says MQM is a reality because if the party leaves the federal coalition, the PPP-led govt will crumble.


Gm Jamali October 31, 2010

KARACHI: Awami Muslim League chief Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad has described the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) a “straightforward” party and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) as “dodgy”.

Speaking to the media while visiting MQM headquarters Nine-Zero on Friday, he said that the MQM was a reality because if and when the party leaves the ruling federal coalition, the PPP-led government would crumble. All politicians have options but the poor people of the country have no choices whatsoever, he said. “The poor man today cannot differentiate between life and death because the standards of living have immensely deteriorated.”

According to Sheikh Rasheed, Nawaz Sharif is mostly to be blamed for the county’s present situation as his party was not playing its role of an active and tough Opposition. Asif Zardari has played a very smart political game. “Zardari has called Nawaz Sharif over for dinner 11 times, but not given in to any of his demands.” He predicted that President Zardari would not file any reference against Deedar Shah - the NAB chairman whose legitimacy is being challenged in court.

“The MQM has been invited to join the league alliance Muttahida Muslim League,” he said. “I have old relations with the MQM. After I formed the AML, I came to Nine-Zero first.”

“We hope that every person who wants change will join the Muttahida Muslim League,” said Sheikh Rasheed.

Bringing about a revolution is not easy and only free and fair elections can bring about a revolution, said the AML chief. “People from the masses should come into power, not people who hoard money from banks.”

Expressing support for the MQM’s philosophy and fight against feudalism, he said that the MQM was fighting for the oppressed masses and the party has the people’s mandate.

Members of the MQM’s Rabita Committee, including former naib nazima Nasreen Jalil, Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping Babar Ghauri, Waseem Aftab and Kunwar Khalid Younus were present during the media briefing.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 31st, 2010.

COMMENTS (1)

R. Khan | 13 years ago | Reply Shaikh Rashid tells the truth! I agree with him almost on all issues except his Kashmir policy which is too aggressive. Among all the parties MQM is the best who are honest to its voters.
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