Zardari assurance props up wobbly MQM alliance

Since Zulfiqar Mirza going to London, the MQM has been asking the government to clarify its position as Mirza left in the company of Sindh information minister Sharjeel Memon.An MQM delegation had a meeting Thursday with President Zardari in this context. During the meeting, President Zardari assured the MQm that strict action will be taken against those violating PPP party policy. He said partnership of PPP-MQM would continue for welfare of the people of Sindh, the country and the democratic process.MQM delegation comprised Dr Farooq Sattar, Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis, Mr Babar Khan Ghauri, Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping, and Syed Haider Abbas Rizvi who called on him in the Presidency.Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Syed Naveed Qamar, Federal Minister for Water and Power, and Spokesperson to the President Farhatullah Babar were also present during the meeting.Briefing about meeting, Farhatullah Babar said that speaking on behalf of the delegation, Dr Farooq Sattar conveyed to the President the concerns of MQM about the statements and actions against their party by some elements associated with the PPP.The President assured the MQM delegation that the PPP valued its partnership with the MQM for the welfare of the people of Sindh, the country and for the cause of democracy and that this partnership will continue in the future as well.The President said Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah had also addressed a press conference in the morning spelling out PPP’s policy and, as President of PPP Sindh, has also taken disciplinary action in this regard.Later, Babar Ghauri revealed that during the meeting President Zardari spoke with MQM chief Altaf Hussain over the telephone and said that MQM’s grievances would be addressed.Commenting on Dr Zulfiqar Mirza meeting with officials of the Scotland Yard, Ghauri said it did not matter how much documentation the former provincial home minister provided to them.Following the assurance the MQM has cancelled its news conference and general workers meeting.