LG system restored in Karachi, Hyderabad

The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), agreed to a formula in which the PPP conceded to the MQM’s demand for the restoration of local government system of 2001 in Karachi and Hyderabad.The decision came at a meeting between PPP leader Babar Awan, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah and Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad at the Sindh Governor’s House.Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad issued the ordinance to restore local government system and cancel the commissionerate system in Karachi and Hyderabad on the night between Saturday and Sunday.President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yousaf raza gilani, MQM chief Altaf Hussain, Awami National Party Sindh President Shahi Syed and Pakistan Muslim League-Functional President Pri Pagara were contacted on phone and were taken into confidence regarding the deal.Addressing the media after the meeting, Babar Awan said that the police order abolished after abolishment of Local Government Ordinance 2001, would remain abolished.Meanwhile, sources said that talks have also entered in a final stage for ironing out PPP-MQM differences and MQM’s return to the coalition government.Earlier, at a meeting in Islamabad, MQM and ruling PPP reiterated to eradicate their differences for stability and peace in Karachi.Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad who called on PPP leader Senator Babar Awan told reporters that political bitterness between two parties caused instability and uproar in the financial capital of the country.He said certain elements were exploiting MQM-PPP rift which resulted in instability in Karachi and the country as a whole.The governor suggested that political and administrative balance was need of time to restore peace in Karachi added that MQM chief wanted a formula to end the chaos in the city.On a query about rejoining the government, Ebad said that President Zardari and Altaf Hussain agreed to work together to strengthen the democracy and institutions in the country.He said both parties would support each other to make actions against the criminals who destroying peace of the economy hub of the country.Ebad said that there would be no call for military assistance for restoring peace in Karachi and all the related issues will be resolved with the consensus of all stakeholders.He urged all the political parties to work to avoid such a situation in which army action might become imminent.The governor said the country was suffering due to political turbulence and steps should be taken to protect it and its institutions.He said on the direction of President Asif Ali Zardai, both the parties were making dialogue on the political and administrative control of Karachi and added that they would bring peace but at the moment no timeframe could be given for that.