MQM to exit federal cabinet
MQM would review the situation whether the government does take any actions to sort-out the problems
The Muthida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has decided to pull out of the federal government citing non-implementation of the promises as their main reason behind the decision.
According to media reports, a joint meeting of MQM Rabta Committee were held at the same time in Karachi and London, where a decision was reached to pull out of the federal cabinet. It was also decided that two ministers including Farooq Sattar and Babar Ghauri will tender their resignation in phases.
MQM leader, Faisal Sabazwari while talking to a private TV channel said that the Rabta Committee after reviewing all the affairs found that the government had not implemented over their recommendations after which they decided to separate themselves from the government. He further clarified that they would not derail the democratic setup and would be a sit at treasury benches but not on the opposition.
Commenting over the fate of the provincial government, Sabzwari stated that the Rabta Committee after reviewing situation would decide about the alliance. He stated that they would also review the situation whether the government does take any actions to sort-out the problems being faced by the people.
Haider Abbas Rizvi also confirmed the situation saying that they would sit at the treasury benches but not on the opposition benches. He clarified that they have reservations towards the government and who is taking practical steps for resolving these issues.
Relations between the reigning PPP government and the MQM had soured after Sindh Home Minister, Dr Zulfiqar Mirza passed public allegations against the MQM on December 13th. Later, a high level delegation led by Sattar met President Asif Ali zardari and gave a ten-day deadline for taking actions against Mirza which had not been fulfilled.
According to initial reports, President Zardari summoned Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik and Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah to discuss the situation. The President also telephoned Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani and both the leaders allegedly discussed the possibility of not accepting the resignations of the MQM ministers.