PROMISES MADE TO MQM SHOULD BE FULFILLED: ALTAF HUSSAIN

LONDON: 18^TH FEBRUARY 2011: 

Founder and Leader of Muttahida Quami Movement Mr Altaf Hussain has said that if the alliance between Pakistan People’s Party and Muttahida Quami Movement continued to work then the government would complete its term and democracy would move ahead. He was talking to a high level delegation of PPP comprising Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik, Provincial Ministers Dr Zulfiqar Mirza, Agha Siraj Durrani and some other leaders of the party. Governor Sindh Dr Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan, Deputy Convener Dr Farooq Sattar and members of the Co-ordination Committee were also present on the occasion. Mr Altaf Hussain cordially welcomed the PPP delegation at Nine Zero and said he wished that the promises made to MQM three years ago were fulfilled. He said that both the parties should adhere to the promise of working together and the government should complete its term.

“Even though we are not a part of the federal cabinet yet the fact that we are still sitting on the treasury benches is a manifestation in itself that we want the government to solve the problems of the people and work for their benefit. MQM has presented a nine-point formula to Federal Minister for Finance for pulling the country out economic crisis which should be given due consideration.”

He asked the Chief Minister to look upon MQM ministers as a part of his team and advised MQM ministers to consider Mr Qaim Ali Shah as the Chief Minister of their own party. He termed it quintessential for PPP, MQM and democracy.

He also sympathised with the Chief Minister over the death of his sister.

Talking to Mr Altaf Hussain the Chief Minister said that we have come with the same gesture of good wishes that were expressed by President Asif Zardari during his visit to Nine Zero. He assured Mr Altaf Hussain that we would try to solve the problems of MQM ministers and would endeavour to come to his expectations. He thanked Mr Altaf Hussain over the warm welcome accorded to them at Nine Zero.

Speaking on the occasion Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik thanked Mr Altaf Hussain for supporting PPP in the hour of need and hailed him as benefactor of democracy.

He said, “Intrigues and conspiracies started against the PPP government soon after its coming to power. Altaf Hussain not only supported in difficult times and foiled the conspiracies but also informed about them at every juncture.”

“The future of the country lies in the unity of MQM and PPP. MQM is a national party and this alliance would grow throughout across the country.”

Dr Zulfikar Mirza told Mr Altaf Hussain that he was overwhelmed with the love and warmth that he had received at Nine Zero. “I feel that I am at my home. The way you and President Asif Zardari are moving together is in the interest of the province of Sindh and all of Pakistan.”

Aga Siraj Durrani also expressed best wishes for Mr Altaf Hussain.

Governor Sindh Dr Ishrat-ul-Ebad said that we had inaugurated Bacha Khan Bridge today at Benaras and the new bridge of friendship and love made at Nine Zero should augur well for everyone.

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