PPP-MQM exchange friendly gestures

KARACHI: Sindh Minister for Local Bodies, Agha Siraj Durrani has claimed that Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) would have rejoined the PPP-led ruling coalition government by the coming Eid and ministers of both the parties would be offering Eid prayers side by side, Geo News reported Friday.

He said this while talking to media men at an Iftar dinner hosted here at the Chief Minister House which was also attended by members of MQM.

Durrani said the holy month of Ramazan is a month of blessings and today's gathering is a result of the same. He said President Asif Ali Zardari's policy of reconciliation was being acted upon and added that it would be better if the question of rejoining the coalition government be posed to the MQM.

He said MQM members had been with the PPP and they still were and members of both the parties would exchange Eid greetings through hugging one another.

MQM leader Raza Haroon who present on the occasion, confirmed that talks between the two parties were underway and that MQM was with the PPP. "MQM also endorses the policy of reconciliation," he added.

He said the Sindh Governor's meeting was being held with the President but refrained from commenting on its details.

Former Sindh home minister, Dr. Zulfiqar Mirza also tried to speak to the media but was stopped by Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memon.

On this Dr. Mirza remarked: "I am so much victimized that I don't even get permission to talk. And if I had a magical wand, I would make this wall collapse."