Looks like PPP is very keen for MQM to join the government? Are PPP supporters happy with this?
Khaleej Times Online - PPP Team Leaves for London to Hold Talks with Altaf on MQM Joining Govt
PPP Team Leaves for London to Hold Talks with Altaf on MQM Joining Govt
KARACHI - Two leaders of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) left for London on Friday to call on Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief, Altaf Hussain, to discuss and resolve issues so that the MQM could join federal cabinet and become part of the government.
PPP’s parliamentary leader in Sindh Assembly Pir Mazharul Haq and Home Minister Siraj Durrani, during their London visit, will formally extend offer on behalf of the PPP government to MQM leader to join the government at the centre. MQM is already PPP’s coalition partners in Sindh.
MQM legislators abstained from last Monday’s federal cabinet oathtaking ceremony and news media here speculated that major differences over number of ministries offered were not acceptable to the party chief Altaf Hussain.
It was later denied by MQM leaders claiming that the party never received any offer to join the cabinet nor it demanded any specific portfolios or ministries. The party has reportedly demanded four ministries and two advisers of its choice on the strength of having 25 members in National Assembly and six Senators.
“Our visit is a goodwill one to apprise Altaf Hussain that PPP appreciates MQM’s unconditional support for the government at the centre and being coalition partner in Sindh. During the meeting, certain national and provincial issues will be discussed with MQM chief to resolve all matters with consensus,” Pir Mazhar told newsmen before leaving for London.
He denied reports appearing in a section of the Press that there were major differences in the two parties specially about MQM’s reservations over the allocation of portfolios in federal cabinet. “There is no truth in such reports. Both parties have common goal to put Pakistan on road to prosperity and improve the lot of the people of the country. Our leaders have mutual respect for each other and we are confident that the relationship will stregthen further in coming days and month,” he said.