KARACHI: Former Sindh governor Ishratul Ebad Wednesday welcomed a possible alliance between Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) and Pak Sarzameen Party (PSP), however said that it would also be a "test" for leadership of both the parties.
Ebad's statement came shortly beforethe MQM-P and PSP formally announced regrouping with "one name, one symbol and one manifesto", a year after the two political factions announced complete disassociation from their former leadership based in London.
"We will contest the upcoming elections under one name and symbol," MQM-P head Farooq Sattar said at the press conference in Karachi, sitting alongside PSP chief Mustafa Kamal.
Speaking to Geo News, Ebad said it's a good thing if the MQM-P and PSP form an alliance. "I have not had any contact with either of the two parties of late, nor do I have any role [in the alliance]."
He said that at times a person cannot determine his role, but the time does.
Commenting on the predictions of Manzoor Wassan, former Sindh governor said he is in contact with Wassan.
"If Wassan had a dream, then he would have also seen the person," Ebad said, adding that he would not have been the person Wassan had seen.
He said fighting each other would serve no one and the possible alliance would be a "test' for leadership on both sides.
"It would be difficult in the beginning. Changing the mindset of workers is a difficult stage," the ex-governor said, explaining when MQM-Haqiqi was formed, it took people a lot of time to accept it.
Rejecting reports about him leading the [unified] party, he also presented a clarification on behalf of former president Pervez Musharraf saying, "Musharraf has his own party and he is focusing on that."
Ebad explained that a person leads a party on the wish of the people and said he is not mentally prepared for assuming possible leadership.
He said even if Haqiqi isn't made part of the alliance, then there can be a working relationship with it.
"It would be in favour of Karachi even if it turns out to be a working relationship formula," he added.