PM says MQM to be consulted on all issues
KARACHI, Jan 7 (APP)- Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani has assured the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) of consultation in every decision making and legislation process at federal as well as provincial level.He was speaking at the MQM Headquarters during his first visit where he also held a meeting with Rabita Committee members and talked to MQM leader Altaf Hussain on telephone.Appreciating the warm welcome on his arrival at “Nine Zero”, the Prime Minister said he was touched by it and it was unprecedented and full of warmth and sincerity. Party workers standing on both sides of the road, showered rose petals as the Prime Minister approached the MQM headquarters. The party leaders, workers greeted him saying “welcome welcome”. I am highly indebted and thankful”, Gilani added.
Governor of Sindh Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan, Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Interior Minister Rehman Malik, members of MQM Rabita Committee, party leaders, ministers, MNAs, MPAs and party workers were also present on the occasion.
“I assure you on behalf of the provincial government that every problem facing MQM ministers in discharging their duties will be removed henceforth”, he said.
He said that the provincial government will consult MQM on all the issues and added the bill relating to commissionerate system has been deferred till such time as the consultation on this bill is completed.
Similarly, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah has assured me that he will take along MQM in every legislation in Sindh Assembly.
“I have also talked to Altaf Bhai on telephone on several issues and he has advised Rabita Committee to take up all issues with me”, he added.
Prime Minister said that he had also talked to Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan and Interior Minister Rehman Malik on most of the issues between PPP and MQM.
“I want to assure you with sincerity that for the solution of all issues we want to take along all progressive forces in the country”, he maintained.
He said the government has withdrawn increase in the prices of petroleum products and deferred RGST bill on the demand of MQM and other political forces.
The Prime Minister praised MQM chief Altaf Hussain by saying that he always talks to him on national issues whether it is unemployment, law and order, electricity or gas crisis, war on terror or RGST. This is because of his training as a political worker, he noted.
Gilani said Karachi was the economic hub and any disturbance here causes anxiety among business community.
He expressed the hope that both MQM and PPP will give up party interests and should be united in greater national interest for jointly playing a role for the development and prosperity of the country.
Prime Minister said that the government wanted to sincerely work with MQM and other coalition partners. “I urge you on behalf of PPP and President Asif Ali Zardari to review your decision and rejoin the government”.
He said that the government wanted to work sincerely with MQM and wanted to take the country out of the crisis.
He said that the government wanted to unanimously table accountability bill in the Parliament so that nobody could have apprehensions on it.
“I urged MQM and other political leaders to sit together for this purpose” he said.