PPP-MQM Tussle Averted For Now

Muttahida Qaumi Movement( MQM) and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) seem to have reconciled their differences as a result of the efforts made by the Federal interior minister, Rehman Malik, but critics question the longevity of this tenuous coalition.

A meeting was held between the coalition partners and as a result most of the issues have been reportedly settled and MQM stopped boycotting the Sindh assembly sessions.

Federal interior minister, Rehman Malik met Sindh Governor Ishrat-al-Abad and an MQM delegation led by Farooq Sattar at the Governor’s House on Wednesday evening. MQM coordination committee in London was also contacted for telephonic conversations with the President and Prime Minister .

Rehman Malik also met Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah for the resolution of this issue and took PPP core committee into confidence.

Mr.Rehman Malik was asked by the Prime Minister, Mr. Gillani to visit Karachi and resolve the problems prevailing between Muttahida Qaumi Movement( MQM) and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP).

The statement issued after the agreement said, “Malik met Sindh Governor Dr Ishrat-ul Ebad Khan wherein it was decided that all issues will be resolved with mutual understanding. The MQM Coordination Committee was also contacted in London, as were Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah. The interior minister got in touch with the leadership of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) as well…It was finally decided that it was essential to resolve all issues with mutual understanding and cooperation in order to promote democracy and stabilize the country.”

MQM’s parliamentary leader in the National Assembly, Dr.Farooq Sattar stated: “we have decided to resolve all issues within the agreed parameters at different levels.”

Harsh speeches by Sindh Home Minister Zulfiqar Mirza and Local Bodies Minister Siraj Durrani caused the situation to go out of control ,while discussing Karachi law and order situation on Tuesday. MQM boycotted Sindh assembly session on Wednesday(February 03,2010).

MQM lawmaker Faisal Sabzwari says his reservations have not been addressed ,while Agha Siraj Durrani, Minister for Local Government says he had not uttered ‘harsh words.

After these meetings, Mr.Rehman Malik also attended a meeting held at CM House between MQM delegation and PPP leaders. He also consulted with law enforcement agencies and rangers regarding the situation in Karachi.