The federal cabinet was on Wednesday divided on the Jamia Hafsa issue, with Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) ministers demanding use of force and others supporting negotiations. Four ministers from the MQM raised the Jamia Hafsa issue and demanded action. However, Interior Minister Aftab Sherpao and Minister for Religious Affairs Ejazul Haq disagreed, saying that talks were under way to resolve the issue. The sources said after Sherpao and Haq briefed the cabinet members, it was agreed that use of force should be the last option. “The dominant view of the cabinet members was to first exhaust all means to settle this issue without using force,” sources told Daily Times. The sources said Sherpao and Haq were confident a peaceful solution could be reached. “It was unanimously decided to give talks a chance,” the sources said. Later, Information Minister Mohammad Ali Durrani told reporters: “We have many options to deal with this issue, but the government will wait for the outcome of talks between Chaudhry Shujaat and the Jamia Hafsa management before taking any action.” He said the law-enforcement agencies had been given clear instructions on the issue. He rejected rumours about a change in the government, saying that all institutions were strong and working well. He also rejected reports that it was the last cabinet meeting and a photo session was conducted on Wednesday.