PPP, MQM hint at seat adjustments in election
03 March, 2013
KARACHI: The Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and the Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) have hinted at the possibility of agreeing on a seat adjustment formula for the upcoming general election. Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Saturday called on MQM chief Altaf Hussain in London. Both the leaders discussed in detail the current political situation in the country in the three-hour-long meeting, according to a statement issued by the MQM. The meeting decided that the core committees of the MQM and the PPP will restart dialogue on all contentious issues. It was also decided that both the parties will contest the upcoming general election individually but there could be a possibility for adjustments on certain seats. Altaf told Malik said that the old relations between the two parties will remain intact in the larger interest of the country, particularly for promoting peace and stability in Sindh and for promoting the feeling of brotherhood among the people of the province. He said the MQM believed in retaining relationships with all democratic forces in the country, including the PPP. Malik inquired after the well-being of Altaf and conveyed to him a gesture of goodwill from President Asif Zardari. He conveyed him a message from President Zardari that although the two parties had come out of the political alliance, yet the relations established during the past five years had not ended. In a separate development, Sindh governor Dr Ishratul Ibad met President Zardari at Bilawal house in Lahore. During the meeting, withdrawal of resignations by MQM ministers and overall political situation of the country was discussed. President Zardari hailed Altaf Hussain's advice to ibad not to resign and continue his duties as representative of the federation. End.
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