MQM GIVES 48-HRS ULTIMATUM TO THE RULING PAKISTAN MUSLIM LEAGUE GOVERNMENT

Karachi, March 17, 1998

The Central Co-ordination Committee of the Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) has asked the ruling Pakistan Muslim League (PML) Government to abolish the No-Go Areas in the next 48 hours, otherwise, MQM would have no alternative but to come out of the coalition government. This demand was issued on Tuesday, March 17, 1998, in a meeting between a high level delegation of MQM and Chief Minister of Sindh, Mr. Liaquat Jatoi.

The MQM demand came in the wake of the Government’s announcement to hold Local Bodies Elections on 18 April 1998, without the abolition of No-Go Areas as agreed and later announced by the Prime Minister. The MQM leaders and workers have been forced by the Haqiqi terrorists under the protection of Paramilitary Rangers not to enter and run its election campaign in Landhi, Korangi, Malir, Shah Faisal Colony and Lines Area of Karachi. In accordance with the Agreement with the PML, MQM has been demanding the government to abolish the No-Go Areas and disarm the Haqiqi Terrorists.