Fazl, MQM leaders to discuss resignations in next round of talks

KARACHI: JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has concluded the first round of talks with Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leadership at Nine Zero. The talks are aimed at persuading MQM to withdraw their resignations and return to the assemblies.

It has been decided that the matter of MQM resignations will be discussed during the next round of talks. The meeting was cut short after MQM leader Abdul Rashid Godil was shot and critically injured in the Bahadurabad area of Karachi.

Addressing a press conference after the first phase of talks, Fazlur Rehman applauded what he said was the positive attitude of MQM leadership during the talks, expressing the resolve to move forward the process to end the political crisis that has emerged in the wake of resignations of MQM lawmakers.

He said the MQM has shown a positive gesture, expressing the hope that the party would continue to adopt the same attitude during the upcoming talks to end the crisis.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman condemned the assassination attempt on Rashid Godil terming it a bid aimed at sabotaging the negotiations.

Fazlur Rehman prayed for the recovery of Rashid Godil, who sustained multiple bullet wounds in an attack that took place in broad day light in Bahadurabad area of the city.

Speaking on the occasion, senior MQM leader Farooq Sattar said the attack on Rashid Godil might be an attempt to sabotage the talk process and political stability. He expressed the hope that elements responsible for the attack on Rashid Godil would be exposed.

Sattar added the MQM was not against the ongoing operation in Karachi instead it wants it to be transparent.

Sattar further said MQM’s demands were in accordance with the law and constitution.

Last week, lawmakers belonging to MQM tendered their resignations after expressing reservations on the ongoing operation against criminals and terrorists in Karachi. They say that the operation, being carried out by Rangers and Police, is directed towards their party rather than criminal elements.

The JUI-F chief has already succeeded in breaking the ice between the MQM and the PML-N government by bringing the former to the dialogue table without any strings attached. He has also persuaded the federal government to set up a monitoring committee to keep tabs on the Karachi operation.

Maulana Fazl also held a telephonic conversation with self-exiled MQM Chief Altaf Hussain and convinced him to engage in an unconditional dialogue.

Speaking to Geo News, Altaf Hussain had said the matter of returning to the parliament would be decided by MQM’s Rabita (coordination) Committee.

It is also pertinent to note here that Speaker National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has decided to meet each resigning member of the MQM separately while the legal wing of the lower house is also set to forward its opinion on the issue to the speaker within a next couple of days.