Open to talks with MQM but will not make any deal on important issues: Sindh CM

Says he accepted MQM lawmakers' resignations on their insistence

KARACHI: As Pakistan Peoples Party and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) alliance in Sindh crumbles, Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah on Sunday said his party is open to talks with MQM but will not make any deal on important issues.

While addressing the people of Nagarparkar during his visit to the famine-hit areas, the chief minister said, “We have always resolved issues through dialogue with MQM.”

“I spoke to Governor Sindh Dr Ishratul Ebad last night,” Shah said, referring to MQM’s decision to quit the PPP-led Sindh coalition government.

"I accepted MQM lawmakers' resignations on their insistence," he said, after accepting resignations of three MQM lawmakers in the Sindh cabinet earlier today.

The MQM and PPP have had a recent fallout following Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly and PPP leader Khursheed Shah's remarks on 'muhajirs.'

Though, Shah apologised for his remarks, the MQM is observing a 'black day' in Karachi today as a protest and earlier also announced to quit from the Sindh and AJK governments, while requesting seats in the opposition bench.

Responding to a question of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairperson Imran Khan’s rally in Lahore scheduled on November 21, the chief minister said, “Imran never talks about the poor, only the rich.”

“He (Imran) does not know the word Tharparkar,” Shah added, lashing out at the PTI chief.

Further, Shah announced that they will install purification plants to ensure clean water for residents and will fight for their rights.

Before his address to the people, the Sindh chief minister was caught on camera taking a little nap while other leaders addressed the crowd.