Karachi violence: MQM still undecided on rejoining govt

Mumtaz Alvi
ISLAMABAD: There has been no agreement between Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) yet over the latter's timing to rejoin the ruling coalition in the Center and Sindh.

Though, in principle, MQM has reportedly agreed to becoming yet gain a part of PPP-led government, the two sides have not fixed any date for a meeting to fine tune the draft accord and timing of the former's return to the ruling coalition.

The PPP has rejected some media reports Wednesday hinting at MQM adopting a wait-and-see policy instead of jumping on PPP-led 'power bandwagon' after the unfolding of events following Sindh ex-home minister Dr. Zulfiqar Mirza's revelations and allegations, mainly targeting MQM and Interior Minister Rehman Malik.

"Notwithstanding the fact, we have decided and formally requested to appear before the Supreme Court to present our side of the story, mainly on target-killings, MQM has no intention to delay its rejoining the government," said the Muttahida Information Secretary Wasay Jalil, when The News approached for his comment on the matter.

Asked had there been any contact by PPP after their meeting with party key man Federal Minister Khurshid Shah, he replied in the negative and said neither there was any contact from PPP side nor a hint of it so far. Shah was assigned the task to convince MQM to rejoin the ruling coalition and has held successful parleys with MQM leaders.

About the MQM decision to also appear before the apex court bench, he said this decision was taken after thorough consultations and his party would be presenting some proofs in front of the judiciary whenever asked to do so. He declined to elaborate it further.

Talking to this correspondent, PPP spokesman Farhatullah Babar, who is also presidential spokesperson, rejected reports that MQM return to the government had been delayed for some reasons.

"Reports that PPP has put its talks with MQM on hold for the time-being are untrue as his party wants MQM to join the government again. It will do so soon," he contended.

Some experts have said that it is quite possible after progress in the Supreme Court proceedings with regards to Karachi killings, both sides wanted to see what positions they were to ultimately adopt before the apex court bench. It is interesting to note that PPP could keenly watch MQM presenting its case before the bench.