If the moderate political parties continued to fight each other
extremist forces would take over the country – Altaf Hussain
Country demand unity of all the political forces- Prime Minister

KARACHI: 7^TH JANUARY 2011
Founder and Leader of Muttahida Quami Movement Mr Altaf Hussain said that the country was passing through difficult times and it was the need of the hour that all moderate political parties united in for the national security. He warned that if the moderate political parties continued to fight each other extremist forces would take over the country. He was talking to Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani on his visit to Nine Zero today.

“All patriotic political parties should not only exercise restraint but also they should promote a culture to discourage extremism and promote moderation in politics for the national security and strengthening of democracy in the country.”

“MQM wants that the wheel of democracy continues to move forward in the country and the democratic government continues to play its role for solving the basic problems of general public.”

“Difference of opinion among political parties is not a new thing but the political parties of other countries stand united in difficult times.”

“MQM has always raised national issues of public importance and its differences were never on personal grounds. MQM has never had personal differences. We only want national security and the welfare of the people.”

Mr Altaf Hussain hoped that the government would concentrate on solving public issues and instead of waxing mere eloquences would take practical steps and not disappoint MQM.

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani agreed with Mr Altaf Hussain and said whatever Mr Altaf Hussain said directly touched hearts. “The issues that face the country demand unity of all the political forces. Democratic process must continue and all political parties must unite on national issues.”

“I accept that whenever you talked with me, you talked about the larger interest of the people. I want to make it clear to friends in my party that the liberal and progressive forces must unite for a better future of the country.”

Prime Minister Gillani told Mr Altaf Hussain that he would soon come to London to meet him personally. Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik and Chief Minister Sindh also talked to Mr Altaf Hussain.

MQM DECIDES TO SIT ON TREASURY BENCHES
IN RESPONSE TO THE PM’S GOOD WILL GESTURE

KARACHI: 7^TH JANUARY 2011
The Co-ordination Committee of MQM has decided that MQM will sit on the treasury benches in the Senate and the National Assembly in the interest of democracy but it will not rejoin the Federal Cabinet. Member Co-ordination Committee of Muttahida Quami Movement Raza Haroon announced this decision on the visit of Prime Minister of Pakistan Mr Yousuf Raza Gillani at the party’s Head Office Nine Zero. “Co-ordination Committee in London and Karachi has decided after prolonged deliberations that MQM will 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 will not be able to join the Federal Cabinet.”

When Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani arrived at Nine Zero he was accorded warm welcome by MQM workers and supporters. He was received by members of the Co-ordination Committee and MQM parliamentarians. The Prime Minister had a detailed meeting with MQM leaders at Nine Zero. He also talked to MQM Founder and Leader Mr Altaf Hussain and listened to his views on important public issues and problems being faced by MQM as a coalition partner for the solution of those problems.

Talking to the press after his meeting that continued for over an hour, the Prime Minister said that he  had telephonic conversations with Mr Altaf Hussain number of times in the past and hopefully he will soon meet him. The Prime Minister said that Mr Altaf Hussain always talked about national issues that directly affected general public. “Whether it is price-hike, load shedding, sugar crises, RGST, war on terrorism, unemployment and law and order situation, Mr Altaf Hussain can feel the pulse of the nation on important national issues.”

Talking about the hike in POL prices the Prime Minister said that MQM got estranged over recent increase in POL prices. He said, “I called a meeting of the heads of all the parliamentary parties in the Parliament and informed them about my difficulties and economic problems. We have reversed the decision of increasing the POL prices and have come here at Nine Zero after ensuring that the decision was implemented.”

Speaking about corruption the Prime Minister said that corruption charges have always been leveled against politicians. “I invite Altaf Bhai and all the political forces in the country to come forward for making a unanimous accountability bill.” The Prime Minister said that there was thin difference between accountability and vengeance. He said that there had been no political prisoner during his rule in the country.

Speaking about MQM’s complaint at not being taken into confidence over important issues in the Sindh Government, the Prime Minister said, “I have directed the provincial government to take MQM on board on all policy decisions in Sindh. I assure on behalf of the provincial government that all hurdles in the way of MQM Ministers in discharging their duties will be removed.

The Prime Minister closed his speech with a request to rejoin the government.

Member Co-ordination Committee Raza Haroon thanked Prime Minister for his visit and welcomed his good will gestures.

Raza Haroon said, “We have talked at length about national issues and we are happy that the Prime Minister and his team have listened to us and given their firm assurances that all the issues would be resolved”

“We welcome the withdrawal of hike in the prices of POL products on the demand of MQM. We also welcome the postponement of RGST and hope that the government will take positive steps for elimination of corruption”

Raza Haroon said that MQM never pressed for any personal issues before the government. “We are happy that the Prime Minister listened to Altaf Bhai over important national issues and agreed with him.”