PPP, MQM to decide Sindh coalition on Sunday

Published June 15, 2013
Leaders of MQM and PPP speak at a press conference in Karachi. – File Photo by White Star
Leaders of MQM and PPP speak at a press conference in Karachi. – File Photo by White Star

KARACHI: Former coalition partners Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) are set to resolve the matter pertaining to the latter’s inclusion in Sindh government in a meeting scheduled to take place at Chief Minister House in Karachi on Sunday.

Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, former interior minister Rehman Malik, Agha Siraj Durrani, Dr Farooq Sattar and Dr Sagheer Ahmed among other leaders of both parties are expected to participate in the all important meeting.

Earlier in the day, Durrani had hinted an early inclusion of the MQM in PPP’s Sindh government. He was speaking to media representatives after attending the cabinet meeting chaired by the chief minister.

The meeting decided to unveil the provincial budget 2013-14 on June 17.

Meanwhile, the MQM has called an ‘emergency’ meeting of its parliamentary committee at its headquarters Nine-Zero in Karachi’s Azizabad neighbourhood in the wee hours of Saturday.

MQM chief Altaf Hussain will address the meeting, which is expected to make important decisions regarding joining the PPP government in the province.

On Thursday, Rehman Malik talked about his “close contacts” with the MQM leadership hours after CM Shah held a meeting with Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan and reportedly discussed with him prospects for a renewed partnership in Sindh.

“We definitely want the MQM to join the government in Sindh,” Malik said while talking to reporters at the Karachi airport. “I am in touch with MQM leaders and hope that contacts would help resolve issues. The two parties have been enjoying very good understanding and relations for five years,” he added.

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