MQM quits federal and provincial governments

The Daily Dawn:

KARACHI, Aug 26: Muttaheda Qaumi Movement (MQM) parted its ways with the PML Coalition Government and submitted resignations of its Ministers in Sindh Cabinet to the Sindh Governor besides resigniation of its lone Federal Minister Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqi sent to the Prime Minister.

The Haq Parast assembly members who had the chairmanship of various standing committees in the Senate and National Assembly and Parliamentary Committees also resigned from their respective posts.

The MQM's departure from the coalition Government was announced by Senator Aftab Ahmed Shaikh, Deputy Convenor Rabita Committee while addressing a crowded press conference at Karachi Press Club this afternoon.

After the press conference the Haq Parast Ministers accompanied by Senator Aftab Shaikh, Senator Nasreen Jalil and Shaikh Liaquat Hussain left for Governor House to submit their resignations to the Governor.

Aftab Shaikh told newsmen that what prompted the MQM to leave the Government were the "breach of promises" by the PML Government, deviation from written agreements, continued killings of MQM's innocent workers, rising terrorism by Haqiqi terrorists and continuing negative and mischivious propaganda against MQM,

He said these facts were brought before all the members of Rabita Committee, Muttaheda Organizing Committee, Haq Parast Ministers, Advisors, Members of the Senate, NA and PA and office- bearers of different levels who were unanimous that it was not apprioriate for the MQM to remain in the Government anymore and the party should part ways with the Government at once and play the role of opposition in a vigorous manner.

He said the decision to leave the Government has also been endorsed by Quaid-e-Tehreek Altaf Hussain.(-APP)