Zardari announces coalition partnership with MQM in Sindh

PPP co-chairman says they cannot leave MQM half-way in the current situation.

KARACHI: Days after a raid at Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) headquarters Nine-Zero, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday announced that a coalition partnership with MQM in the Sindh government.

Addressing lawmakers of Sindh Assembly, whom Zardari had invited to a lunch meeting at the Bilawal House, said, “We cannot leave MQM alone halfway in current situation.  They have supported us in a difficult time especially in the Senate elections. How can we forget it? This does not suit our culture or tradition.”

“They are in trouble. We have decided to make an alliance with them.”

“We have made this decision. What do you say.” he repeated.

At this point, sources in the party said that all the MPAs, including Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah and cabinet members were tight-lipped, except for Nadir Magsi.

“Though many party leaders have concern on this coalition partnership, I personally believe that a decision of joining them should be made without any delay. We should not spend too much time thinking about it,” Magsi said.

The PPP co-chairman replied, “We have decided to make an alliance with them.”

A spokesperson for Bilawal House said that the former President Asif Ali Zardari congratulated the Party MPAs from Sindh for standing by the Party decisions and voting in a disciplined and dignified manner in the recent Senate elections.

Praising the MPAs, he said there were reports of uproar and furor in other Assemblies on and before the polling day, but the Senate elections in Sindh went smoothly for which the house and the members deserve applause.

Former President spoke in detail with the MPAs about the Party strategy for the Senate elections and cooperation by the Party allies.

Zardari also directed the MPAs to prepare themselves and the party cadres for the upcoming local body elections and mobilise the masses in their respective constituencies and to stary head hunting for this purpose.

Those who attended the meeting include Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, MNA and PPP Women Wing President Faryal Talpur, Sherry Rehman, Senior Minister Nisar Ahmed Khuhro and others.