Sindh CM unhappy over MQM’s split

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has said that he was not happy with the ongoing process of disintegration and groupings within the ranks of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) as it was not helpful for democracy.

He made the remarks on Saturday while talking to media at the Election Commission of Pakistan, Karachi, where he led the PPP Senate candidates in connection with the scrutiny of their nomination papers.

Replying to a question, he said the MQM is facing serious grouping and disintegration within its ranks. “Though this is their internal issue but the PPP is not happy over the situation,” he said and added: “We expressed satisfaction when MQM and PSP leadership had joined hands." To another question, Murad Ali Shah said the PPP is not going to take advantage of the MQM’s internal problems.

Responding to a question, the chief minister disagreed to the notion that MPAs are being offered money for purchasing their vote for the Senate election. “This propaganda is being made by those who are upset over prospects of PPP’s historic success in the Senate election,” he said.” “We are hopeful that all our 12 candidates would return successful in the Senate election because MPAs in Sindh Assembly believe that the PPP is the only party which serves the people irrespective of any other consideration,” he said.

Replying to a question about NAB, the chief minister said that they [NAB authorities] had closed Rohri Canal in connection with an inquiry without considering damage to the standing crops due to closure of irrigation water. “Their decision to close Rohri Canal has caused huge financial losses to the growers cultivating crops in a large area,” he said. He said the NAB has always dealt with Sindh differently. “ I have reservations over NAB’s approach and attitude towards Sindh,” he said. He said that his govt is against corruption but developmental activities should not be halted under the pretext of anti-corruption drive.

Earlier, he proposed Mola Bux Chandio for Senate seat while former chief minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah proposed Chairman Senate Raza Rabbani.