MQM's return to Sindh govt not tied to Senate elections: Rehman Malik

Six member committee to be formed to work on the details of MQM return to Sindh government

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Senator Rehman Malik clarified that Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) joining the PPP-led Sindh government was not linked with the upcoming Senate elections, Express News reported early on Thursday.

While talking to media outside Governor House in Karachi, where a lengthy meeting between MQM and PPP leaders took place, Malik said that it was not necessary that the move happens before the Senate elections.

He added that the MQM had agreed in-principle to join Sindh government. To finalise the move, a committee comprising three members from each party will be formed to work out the finer points of MQM's return.

This committee will then submit its formula to PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari and MQM chief Altaf Hussain for final approval.

Earlier, it had been announced that a four member committee will be formed to work out a formula for MQM's return, with two members from each party.

Talking to PML-F

Asked about talking to the Pakistan Muslim League-Functional (PML-F) about Senate elections, Mirza did not rule it out.

"I respect Pir Pagara sahib, and Younus Saeen. If they approach us, we will talk."

Zulfiqar Mirza's allegations

Malik refused to comment on the allegations leveled by the former provincial home minister Zulfiqar Mirza against MQM and PPP co-chairman.

"He is like my younger brother, and his wife (Fehmida Mirza), with whom I worked for five years and is like a sister to me, I will never say anything that harms that relationship no matter what he (Zulfiqar) says."