Rumours about parting ways with the government and derailing democracy are misleading
Federal Interior Minister Rehman met Mr Altaf Hussain, the founder and leader of the MQM, in London the previous night and discussed the current political situation in the country with particular reference to the scheduled long march in Islamabad on 14th January. Mr Malik condemned the bomb blast after the huge public gathering of the MQM in Karachi on Tuesday. He expressed his grief and sorrow on the killing and wounding of the MQM workers and sympathizers and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Mr Malik assured Mr Hussain that the terrorists responsible for the blast would be brought to book and no laxity would be shown in their arrest. He requested Mr Hussain to reconsider the decision to participate in the long march on 14th January. Mr Hussain told Mr Malik that it would be advisable if a high-powered delegation of the PPP met Dr Tahirul Qadri for obtaining information and knowing about his reservations. The delegation should directly ask Dr Qadri as to what type of reforms does he want.
Mr Hussain said that the elements spreading the rumour that the MQM would part ways with the government, that the MQM wants the elections to be postponed under the umbrella of the long march or that the MQM wants to derail the democratic system are trying to mislead the public. He said that he himself and Dr Qadri have vehemently denied these rumours on several occasions.
Mr Hussain said that there are points of common interests in the manifestoes of different political parties and these points bring them closer together. He said that there should be no ill-will between the parties having common interests.
Mr Hussain said that he and Dr Qadri have invited all other political and religious parties, including the PPP, to join the Journey for Revolution for the national security and integrity.