Pakistan

Wooing back MQM: Zardari assumes role of deal-maker

PPP cadre criticise Rehman Malik for lack of negotiating skills.

Salman Siddiqui December 31, 2010

KARACHI: President Asif Ali Zardari is now personally leading the talks with the MQM in what appears to be a last-ditch effort to bring the Muttahida back into the fold of the ruling coalition as Rehman Malik – thus far the party’s chief mediator – had failed to achieve a breakthrough and left the city for Islamabad, sources say.

According to these sources Sindh Home Minister Zulfiqar Mirza would perhaps be the first casualty of any patch-up finally agreed upon between the PPP and the MQM.

“Mirza knows a bit too much about the MQM and he’s a threat to them,” the sources remarked. Sources within the PPP are extremely critical of the role played by the federal interior minister and claim that because of his lack of negotiating skills, the party might be forced to make a new round of concessions to the MQM.

“He’s been repeatedly trying to pacify the MQM, but he just doesn’t know how to troubleshoot a problem. His achievements as a mediator are zero. He’s the main reason why no breakthrough could be achieved and now the president himself is directly supervising the MQM issue,” a senior PPP leader said.

The PPP leaders say the party needs the MQM for stability in Sindh and this is not just to ensure majority in parliament. “If it was only a numbers game, an arrangement could have been made with some other parties,” the source said, adding that the PPP “wants to resolve everything with the MQM”.

Sources within the MQM also acknowledge that no breakthrough has so far been made in talks with the PPP. Although Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad did not meet any PPP leaders on Thursday, an MQM source said some meetings with them are expected on Friday.

Meanwhile, President Zardari telephoned Nawaz Sharif on Thursday night and discussed the domestic political situation, with particular reference to the ongoing war of words between the PML-N and the MQM.

Presidential spokesperson Farhatullah Babar said the two leaders stressed the need for strengthening democracy in the country. But sources said that Wednesday’s bad-mouthing between second tier leadership of the two parties also featured in their talks.

Zardari is reported to have urged Sharif to cool down tempers, besides stressing on the importance of the MQM as a coalition partner for the PPP.

Also on Thursday night, President Zardari called senior members of the Sindh cabinet and other PPP leaders to discuss the prevailing situation in the province and matters pertaining to the coalition partners.

The meeting was also attended by the chief minister, Senior Minister Pir Mazharul Haq, Home Minister Zulfiqar Mirza, Local Bodies Minister Agha Siraj Durrani and Law Minister Ayaz Soomro.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 31^st, 2010.

COMMENTS (7)

Abdul Rahman Khan | 13 years ago | Reply The government intended to try the detained target killers without giving in or caring for the political prerssure from any side.Zulfiqar mirza had already stated 26 out of 60 detained target killers belonged to a big political party - everybody knows who did he mean by that. As soon as the government starts putting them on trial, the MQM will raise a hell accusing the PPP government victimising his workers on its decision to quit the government and sit in opposition benches. The main loser in the present situation and the situaltion to come is Karachi's peace and tranquility. What the 'badmash' minister (he himself proudly claims to be one)has rercently threatened in a meeting of the karachi's businessmen, will be put into practice.

Liaquat Ali | 13 years ago | Reply @Munawar, as a political analyst and a student of the media, I convey my empirical political analysis with the best of my abilities. As you mentioned, President Zardari has been able to keep his cool even when he is faced with true or false accusations since day one. Please keep in mind that MQM's Altaf Hussain suggested his name for the post of the president even before the PPP did the same. Incidentally Mr. Hussain called BB a Shaheed even before the PPP called her the same. :) Could anyone else from the PPP keep the coalition together thus far the way President Zardari has? I doubt it. Miser are those who don't acknowledge others' good qualities. I wish President Zardari well in making judicious decisions.

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Natasha | 13 years ago | Reply Whatever happened to the 'awami raye' Altaf was apparently seeking before staging the resignation act ? Poor awam. How many times did MQM got 'wooed' in three years? - R.E.C.O.N.C.I.L.I.A.T.I.O.N

Munawar Ali | 13 years ago | Reply Very True honorable Mr. Liaquat Ali & honorable Mr. Majid Maqsood! We believe that BB's choice cannot be wrong and the person who spent in 11 years in jail on pretext of fake cases, which have been exposed by the tapes shown by Mr. Faisal Raza Abidi, Now it is time that we should start think critically, and should understand the realities which were kept hidden by right-wing media in Pakistan, and things were presented so negatively against Zardari Sab, which all have now brutally failed and people are amazed at his such positive approached. Lets all start thinking positively and differently!! Regards Munawar Ali, Islamabad

Faraz | 13 years ago | Reply Well honestly, I have never seen a deal breaker like Zardari! He has crossed every mountain successfully, unlike his Predecessor Musharraf, a GENERAL clean bold by the judiaciary and foreign elements. At the same time all must admit that Karachi is the engine of Pakistan and the business hub without which Pakistan cannot prosper and the fact is, Altaf Bhai has a strong grip over Karachi. Let the army play it's part. But if Altaf Bhai and Zardari start thinking about Pakistan and its people in true sense, there is no looking back. The DUO can prove to be miracle for Pakistan's future and make our country emerge as a true developing nation like BRIC! I pray they start looking into the affairs of Pakistan with utmost sincerity.

Majid Maqsood | 13 years ago | Reply Zardari has such ability to convince his political partners, those who undermine the political acumen of Zardari must learn how he is coming out from the crises. Zardari sb was a selection of MBB and she already knew his potential which is working now in front of us!

Liaquat Ali | 13 years ago | Reply Like him or not, Zardari is emerging as a strong president.

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