| Submit your comments on this article |
| India-Pakistan |
| MQM gives govt new lease of life |
| 2011-01-08 |
[Pak Daily Times] Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani has gained majority in parliament after his government's disappointed coalition partner, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), rejoined the treasury benches. But, reportedly the MQM will not join the federal cabinet despite firm commitments on its reservations from President Asif Ali President Ten PercentZardari. ... husband of the late Benazir Bhutto, who showed remarkably little curiosity about who actually done her in ... Speaking at the MQM Headquarters during his first visit where he also held a meeting with members of party's coordination committee and a teletalk with party chief Altaf Hussain on Friday, the prime minister assured the MQM of consultation in every decision-making and legislation process at the federal and provincial level. "I came here (Nine-Zero) after reducing the POL products' prices and it is my first visit to the MQM Headquarters." Gilani said, adding, "I assure you (MQM) on behalf of the provincial government that every problem faced by the MQM ministers in discharging their duties will be removed from now." The PM said, "I have spoke to Altaf Bhai over the telephone on several issues and he has advised the coordination committee to take up all the issues with me." He said that Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah assured him that he would take along the MQM in all legislation in the provincial assembly. He also said that the bill relating to the commissionerate system had been deferred until such time as the consultation on it was completed with unanimity. "I called a meeting of the heads of all the parliamentary parties in parliament and informed them about my difficulties and economic problems. We have reversed the decision of increasing the POL prices," the prime minister added. Gilani said the government had deferred the RGST bill on the demand of the MQM and other political forces. "I want to assure you with sincerity that for the solution of all issues we want to take along all progressive forces in the country," he said. "I urge you on behalf of PPP and President Asif Ali Ten PercentZardari ... husband of the late Benazir Bhutto, who has been singularly lacking in curiosity about who done her in ... to review your decision and rejoin the government," he averred. Later, MQM's co-ordination committee member Raza Haroon announced that the committee, in London and Bloody Karachi, decided after prolonged deliberations that the MQM would sit on the treasury benches in view of the economic problems, important national and public issues, deteriorating law and order situation and for promotion of democracy in the country but it would not be able to join the federal cabinet. Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan, Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Interior Minister Rehman Malik, MQM leaders, ministers, MNAs, MPAs and party workers were also present on the occasion. |
| Posted by:Fred |