PPP, MQM form peace committee

KARACHI: At a high level meeting between the PPP and MQM held under the chairmanship of President Zardari in Bilawal House on Tuesday, both the parties agreed to reconcile and decided to establish a peace committee to restore law and order in Karachi.

altaf-zardari President Asif Ali Zardari said that the culprits behind the recent incidents of lawlessness in Karachi will be apprehended and brought to justice in accordance with the law.

He advised the people show restraint and remain patient till the investigation process is completed. ‘No one will be allowed to disturb the peace of a mega city like Karachi,’ said the president.

Leaders from both the parties agreed that authorities must launch a crackdown against all the criminals in the city and not target a specific group.

Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik was especially invited to attend the meeting during which issues such as ongoing surgical operation in Karachi, Lyari operation and the local government system in Sindh came under discussion.

Earlier, there were reports that the two largest parties of the city – MQM and PPP – were at loggerheards. However, the country’s top leadership set aside these speculations when both the parties agreed to work together to resolve the issue of the local government as well as offer complete support in investigating the recent target killings in Karachi.

The meeting held at the Bilawal House in Karachi also brushed aside the talk of a coalition break up, which had emerged after the MQM leaders asked for permission from the party’s Rabita Committee to sit on the opposition benches.

Sources further informed that there was no deadlock between the coalition partners on the future of the local government either.

Those attending the review meeting included Governor Dr. Ishratul Ibad Khan, Dr. Farooq Sattar, Provincial Ministers Adil Siddiqui, and Waseem Aftab. Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah and Interior Minister Rehman Malik were also present.

The president later met a delegation of PPP workers and legislators from Lyari as well. –DawnNews

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