PPP will never go against MQM: Sethi

LAHORE: Political parties reach decisions through consultation. No matter how big the leaders are, their attitude is never dictator-like and they consult before issuing a statement, said Najam Sethi in Geo News programme ‘Aapas ki Baat’ on Saturday.
On the other hand, he said, it was very easy for an army to issue a statement because of a clear chain of command and a telephone was enough to decide what statement had to be issued.
Sethi said the army leadership wasn’t happy with the politicians - especially the PML-N and the PPP - over the delay in reacting on an issue of national interest and their stance wasn’t tough as per the expectations. Resolutions were being passed in the provincial assemblies to make for the mistake, but without mentioning the MQM, he added.
The PML-N had decided to table a resolution in the Sindh Assembly - to be supported by the PTI - but the PPP’s response was to be seen as it had an alliance with the MQM and was trying to convince the partner to become part of the coalition government, he said.
According to Sethi, Rao Anwaar had not followed the directives of PPP which will never go against the MQM as Khursheed Shah has said that the matter should not be discussed after an apology by Muttahida - meaning that no resolution is to be passed by the provincial legislature.
Two political parties have been banned in Pakistan’s history. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto first ensured passing resolutions in the provincial assemblies and after that presenting evidence before the Supreme Court for action against the NAP. This cannot be repeated today as the federal government will have to agree to it, which it is not going to do. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has already explained this by saying that Altaf Hussain did the right the thing by tendering an apology.
Sethi said the army would not follow a tough line when all the parties showed a soft stance towards the MQM; however, the arrest of two persons would be revealed in the Imran Farooq murder case, adding that a proper trial would be held in the case along besides information sharing with the UK government.
According to Sethi, the outcome of this episode cannot be predicted as an attempt will be made to establish a new MQM and only the time will tell the success of this move. Altaf’s speech has even forced the Pemra to act.
He (Sethi) has been directed to appear before the judicial commission for which no preparations are required as only the liars need homework, while he wrote to the commission himself that Imran should prove the serious allegations which he had levelled against him.
Sethi said Saudi King Salman made important changes in the cabinet, adding that no state was ready to accept the lead role in the region after the US withdrawal from Middle East but Saudi Arabia did so by promoting the young generation.