With Zardari arriving at Nine-Zero and making a very positive speech at the end of the meeting between PPP and MQM leaders, what does it mean for the future set-up in Sindh and the center?
Lookslike another humiliation for Nawaz Sharif, who has always found it difficult dealing with MQM, whereas Zardari (just like BB) wants to work with MQM.
Re: Zardari/Altaf bhai bhai?
Calm down my Pro-Musharraf buddy!
Zardari and Nawaz met a dozen times. Zardari and Nawaz both the heads of their respected parties are in the country, where is the head of MQM? NS and AZ both the heads of their parties, were present before their public before the elections. Where was the head of MQM? Telephonic Campaigns and pep-talk? 
Zardari and Nawaz have been together at almost all major policy-making meetings and events, and made all the big decisions together.
Just one meeting at MQM HQ and you jump to rejoice!?
Jeez Aalsi…don’t make me embarrased. You know i take pride in, and look forward to all your posts. Don’t lose it just yet. We still have Musharraf’s going away party to celebrate together. 
Re: Zardari/Altaf bhai bhai?
Jeez Aalsi....don't make me embarrased. You know i take pride in, and look forward to all your posts. Don't lose it just yet. We still have Musharraf's going away party to celebrate together. :)
Teggy bhaijan. How does Zardari meeting MQM leadership will go down with PPP and PML (N) supporters. Is it a good thing or a bad thing the great Zaradari is taking MQM into confidence?
Re: Zardari/Altaf bhai bhai?
PPP's desire to collaborate with MQM aside, one thing I can assure you. Once Mushy goes, then NS and AZ will gradually part ways. PPP and PML are both national parties, and their vote base is completely different. Right now they are together on an anti-Mushy agenda. This thing is not sustainable in the long run. So any one who thinks that these two parties are banded together for the long-term are better off making their expectations more realistic.
Re: PPP and MQM, I can see why it makes sense to join with MQM for the benefit of Sindh and Karachi. MQM has a very poor record when they are not in power. Its a complete terrorist party and if they are not in power, they create murder and mayhem in Karachi just to prove that they MUST always be in power. So their nuisance value is very high. I can see why Zardari wants to join with them, at least for Sindh. To run Sindh without MQM as a joint-power is almost impossible.
However, at the end of the day, MQM is a regional party, whose sphere of influence is limited to Khi/Hyd only. I don't see a scenario where PPP will be willing to upset the apple-cart with PML, to accomodate MQM at the center. NS has taken a stand right now against MQM. I think it is a justified stand for now considering the mayhem that was caused on May 12. Political expediency in the future may change things.
Re: Zardari/Altaf bhai bhai?
MQM and PPP forging an alliance is one of the boldest and most significant steps that has taken place in the past 2 decades or so. This is so as Pakistan's biggest party (PPP) and Pakistan's most important party (MQM) have decided to work together for Pakistan's benefit. Many people will wonder...MQM..,Pakistan's most important party??...
Granted that MQM has a base support of 14 million people. (The population of Karachi) but one must look at the significance of that city, as that city creates 65+% of Pakistan's national revenue. That city also accounts for 51% of Pakistan's purchasing power. It also accounts for 37%+ of Pakistan's GDP. Hence if there is political trouble in Pakistan, and if MQM orders a strike for lets say a day, then for that one day the strike has been ordered, Pakistan will loose 65+% of it's daily revenue.
A scenario of Karachi being continuously shut down due to strikes ordered by MQM as a result of political friction would be an utter disastrous for not just Karachi, Sindh but all of Pakistan.
Hence it is very important for Pakistan to keep the chicken that is consistently laying eggs, safe and healthy, no matter what we think of the owner of that chicken (MQM). No matter what anyone says about MQM, one thing is certain, they have overwhelming support and loyalty from the people of Karachi. Hence it is important to take MQM on board, as they not only represent a few dozen parliamentarian seats but they also represent 37% of Pakistan's GDP.
With that said, Mr.Zardari should be applauded while Nawaz Sharif should be criticized. This is so as Mr.Zardari is proving to be a national conciliator rather than a national divisor. Granted like Nawaz Sharif, he too opposes President Musharraff, but unlike Nawaz Sharif who has gone to the extent of personal remarks, embarrassing comments, Asif Zardari has conducted himself in a more composed and rational manner.
Furthermore, we are all Pakistanis, and we should applaud anyone who undertakes positive steps for Pakistan, regardless of their age, political faction or sex.
MQM is a bitter reality to Nawaz Sharif as despite his military operations MQM is strong, and continues to grow.
Perhaps Nawaz Sharif like Asif Zardari should admit that the politics of the past were destructive, did not materialize any benefit for Pakistan, and admit that a new era of politics has begun where Pakistanis have given Nawaz and Zardari one more chance to prove themselves, while forgiving their various controversies; by leaving it to Allah to take an account for the plundering that went on in the decade of the 90's.
Re: Zardari/Altaf bhai bhai?
If the below report is true, then we are heading to a cabinet of 100, with more of Zardari’s “brothers” and “sisters” having to be accomodated.
MQM may get 3 federal ministries
LAHORE: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement is likely to get three federal and five Sindh ministries, it was learnt on Wednesday. According to sources privy to proceedings, the reconciliation efforts between the MQM and the PPP have reached consensus and it is expected that the MQM would also hold the slot of Sindh governor and Karachi city nazim. The party is pressuring the government to grant the ministries of Ports and Shipping, Housing and Communication to them, while also requesting the Information Technology Ministry. However, a senior party leader, seeking anonymity, said that the decision to give a reasonable share of ministries in both the federal and provincial cabinets to the MQM had been made after the party decided to field its candidates for Sindh chief minister, speaker and deputy speaker of the Sindh Assembly.
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2008\04\03\story_3-4-2008_pg1_5
Re: Zardari/Altaf bhai bhai?
I hope this marriage would not find the fate of the 1988 marriage when that one ended with burnt corpses of PSF and APMSO workers.
Re: Zardari/Altaf bhai bhai?
Another major climbdown by Nawaz Sharif’s party on it’s ‘principled’ stances.
First, they said they would never take part in the elections under Musharraf.
Then they said they would not be part of the federal govt, and take the oath from Musharraf.
Then they were adamant about keeping the MQM out of the federal govt.
They have backed down in each case, leaving it with just one or two core positions left from it’s original programme.
PML-N won’t oppose MQM joining federal cabinet: Hashmi
http://www.dawn.com/2008/04/03/top2.htm
Re: Zardari/Altaf bhai bhai?
Re: PPP and MQM, I can see why it makes sense to join with MQM for the benefit of Sindh and Karachi. MQM has a very poor record when they are not in power. Its a complete terrorist party and if they are not in power, they create murder and mayhem in Karachi just to prove that they MUST always be in power. So their nuisance value is very high. I can see why Zardari wants to join with them, at least for Sindh. To run Sindh without MQM as a joint-power is almost impossible.
However, at the end of the day, MQM is a regional party, whose sphere of influence is limited to Khi/Hyd only. I don't see a scenario where PPP will be willing to upset the apple-cart with PML, to accomodate MQM at the center. NS has taken a stand right now against MQM. I think it is a justified stand for now considering the mayhem that was caused on May 12. Political expediency in the future may change things.
Well said!
Re: Zardari/Altaf bhai bhai?
still is the the most principled stance taken by any party in Pakistan…NS looks like lesser evil compared to all others…atleast he is most consistent as far as Pervaiz Musharraf is concerned…I think he is winner in all this scenario…I think after Imran and Aitzaz join the the NS bandwagon it wil become the best oprtion for Pakistan…aftert the demise of the illegal Preaident of Pakistan…
Re: Zardari/Altaf bhai bhai?
folks this is not a general discussion on MQM and whether they wear pyjamas or should be kicked back to India etc. please stay on topic and avoid generic ethnic mudslinging.
Re: Zardari/Altaf bhai bhai?
Today Prime Minister Gilani phoned Altaf Hussain, so the PPP is committed to continue it's aim of bringing the MQM into govt.
Re: Zardari/Altaf bhai bhai?
Today Prime Minister Gilani phoned Altaf Hussain, so the PPP is committed to continue it's aim of bringing the MQM into govt.
You should be ashamed of yourself mr Pakistan, talking of patriotism this and that and your master Mushy supports this terrorist party MQM that will murder rival ethnic groups in Karachi over any small thing
Re: Zardari/Altaf bhai bhai?
zardari and altaf are spritual brothers. they both are murderers of their own bretherns.
Re: Zardari/Altaf bhai bhai?
Aalsi/Raza Phalvi,
[quote]
Zardari/Altaf bhai bhai?
[/quote]
You mean "dohti, naswar kahan se aaye?". I am worried for Zaradari, when he will be back stabed by MQM or it has already been started? Please share your candid views.
Re: Zardari/Altaf bhai bhai?
Aalsi/Raza Phalvi,
You mean "dohti, naswar kahan se aaye?". I am worried for Zaradari, when he will be back stabed by MQM or it has already been started? Please share your candid views.
Pride bhaijan. Great Zaradari (the future PM of Pakistan) has nothing to worry about. He is putting together an excellent team that will lead Pakistan with the great President Musharaf.
Re: Zardari/Altaf bhai bhai?
So ‘Prime Minister Gilani’ or the govt gets respect and acceptence only if they bring MQM in power.
MQM is back onto street with its antics. Playing same game for military and establishment. I bet you will see people will be begging to not restore judiciary in the coming weeks if this bloodshed continued. Mush, Zardari and Altaf all will be happy then.
