Governor Sindh defuses tensions between PTI, MQM

KARACHI: In an effort to defuse rising tensions between the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Governor Sindh Dr Ishratul Ibad held a meeting between representatives of both parties on Wednesday at the Governor House in Karachi.

Following the successful meeting, leaders of both parties agreed to formulate a code of conduct for the upcoming April 23 by-election in Azizabad (NA-246) constituency, said to be a bastion of the MQM in Karachi.

The temperature rose Tuesday when PTI leader Imran Ismail, who is gearing up to contest elections from NA-246 constituency, visited Jinnah Ground in Azizabad where PTI has planned to hold a public rally on April 19.

Scuffles broke out as workers of both parties came face to face and chanted slogans against each other. Both parties later lodged FIRs blaming each other for the incident.

But MQM chief Altaf Hussain issued a statement Wednesday morning, offering PTI to hold their rally at Jinnah Ground and asking workers of both parties not to let verbal confrontation covert into animosity.

“If the leaders of Tehreek-e-Insaf hold their rally elsewhere then MQM would cooperate with PTI in providing whatever assistance and cooperation they would need but if they insist on holding their rally in Jinnah Ground then MQM should be given time to make proper arrangement for protection of the monument and would request PTI to ensure its sanctity,” he said, asking Governor Sindh to hold an emergency meeting of both parties.

He said that he did not want to blame anyone for this incident as his intentions were noble and that he wanted free and fair elections to be held in a peaceful manner.

“We appreciate MQM chief Altaf Hussain’s statement trying to defuse the situation, and the fact that he welcomed PTI. No party should make this a matter of egos,” said Imran Ismail, speaking to media after the meeting.

“MQM chief Altaf Hussain gave a very positive statement. PTI leaders immediately reacted well to the statement. I have requested both parties to refrain from provocation and not to use derogatory words against each other’s leaders,” said Governor Sindh Ishratul Ibad.

MQM workers had claimed that the PTI workers and leaders had desecrated the ‘martyrs memorial’ at the Jinnah Ground during their visit.

But PTI senior leader Arif Alvi said after the meeting that his party would respect the memorial, and would make sure that its sanctity is not disturbed.