MQM stages walkout from Sindh Assembly

KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) lawmakers on Monday staged a walkout from the ongoing Sindh Assembly session in protest against Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s public criticism of MQM chief Altaf Hussain, Geo News reported.

Earlier, the provincial ministers of MQM submitted their resignations to Governor Sindh Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan and Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah today.

Two provincial ministers and three advisers submitted their resignations. Meanwhile, the party submitted a request in the office of Speaker Sindh Assembly Agha Siraj Durrani to allot opposition benches to its lawmakers.

It may be mentioned that on Sunday, MQM announced to part its ways with PPP-led Sindh government over PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s public criticism of MQM chief Altaf Hussain.

MQM MPA Khawaja Izharul Hassan said that they did not believe in hypocrisy in the name of negotiations and that they were not fond of ministries, cars and perks. He further said that MQM had always supported PPP.

Interestingly a bill related to the local body government system that the MQM has been demanding for years was also approved by the assembly.

MQM walk-out of NA

Meanwhile in the National Assembly MQM legislators also staged a walk-out. MNA Rasheed Godil said party members will not return to the assembly until an apology is tendered for likening the word ‘Mohajir’ to an abuse.

Godil protested, that certain elements are trying to sideline Mohajirs adding that when migrated they did not come empty handed like beggars, they left behind their wealth, property and livelihood and came to Pakistan.