PML-N team meets JUI-F, GDA leaders for electoral alliance in Sindh

KARACHI: In an effort to contact political parties of the country, a Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) delegation Saturday separately met Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUIF) and Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) leaders to convey the message of party Quaid Nawaz Sharif and evolve a joint working relationship.

The delegation comprising PMLN leaders Ayaz Sadiq, Khawaja Saad Rafique, Bashir Memon, Khel Das Kohistani and Ali Akbar Gujjar on Saturday met JUIF Sindh Secretary General Allama Rashid Mahmood Soomro at his residence to discuss a possible electoral alliance and seat adjustment in the upcoming general elections.

The delegation conveyed the message of Mian Nawaz Sharif to Soomro to engage in detailed consultations and close working relations. Soomro welcomed the PMLN proposal and said that a joint struggle could bring significant surprises as a result.

“It is time to free the people of Sindh from deprivations. The people have made their decision in the Sindh Peace March; now it is time for the leadership to respond seriously to aspirations of people,” the JUIF leader said.

Soomro also invited the PMLN leadership to JUIF public gathering to be held in Larkana on November 30. Saad Rafique assured Soomro of PMLN’s participation in the event. The PMLN leaders stressed that it was time to bring an alternative leadership to Sindh according to the aspirations of people of Sindh.

Meanwhile, the delegation also met GDA chief Pir Sibghatullah Rashidi, commonly known as Pir Sahab Pagara, at the Functional House in Karachi.

During the meeting, the PMLN leaders discussed the political situation of the country and delivered Sharif’s message to Pagara. They agreed a strong electoral alliance in Sindh was needed.

The GDA leader assured his support and said that PMLN, GDA, Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan and JUIF will not only provide an alternative leadership but would also make the government in Sindh after the general elections. The delegation will visit MQM Pakistan’s head-office today (Sunday) to discuss further working relationship. Last week, both parties agreed to form an alliance and address the problems of urban Sindh.

MQMP sources said that Muttahida and PMLN leaders will discuss proposals on cooperation. In this connection, a six-member committee would be formed to prepare proposals to address the issues of urban Sindh. Both the parties will nominate their members for the committee before the formal announcement of an electoral alliance.