Sindh governor Imran Ismail pacifies GDA, visits Pagara

KARACHI: In a bid to placate another major ally from Sindh province that showed its anger with the federal government for not fulfilling the promises made with it, a ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf delegation led by Governor Sindh Imran Ismail on Tuesday met the Grand Democratic Alliance’s chief Pir Saheb Pagara at his residence

“There is no deadlock between the PTI and the GDA and both parties are united on various issues,” said Governor Ismail to the press after meeting with Pagara. The GDA leader Syed Sadaruddin Rashidi was present alongside him at the press briefing. On Monday, when a PTI delegation led by federal minister Asad Umar was meeting with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan’s leaders to persuade them to rejoin the federal cabinet, a GDA leader’s statement expressing anger over the federal government turning the situation fragile for the ruling PTI. The PTI led federal government has a razor thin majority by virtue of coalition partners including those from the MQM,7, and the GDA,3, besides PML-Q,5, BNP, 4,and BAP,5, and couple of independents, making them critically important for the government. The GDA, an alliance of Sindh-based political groups and individuals has one ministry in the federal cabinet.

However, Governor Ismail said that there was no political aim behind the meeting with the GDA leaders and he had come to meet the leaders of its collation partner on a lunch invitation. “We are not here to persuade anyone,” he tried to clarify. Ismail said that the federal government is working for the development of Sindh province and has initiated uplift schemes in different districts. “In addition to the NFC Award, the federal government is spending special funds for the development of the province,” Governor informed Pagara, who is also the Pakistan Muslim League-Functional’s chief. Strongly refuting a news about division of the Sindh province, Governor Ismail said splitting up of the province will be not allowed at any cost. Ismail said though the schedule of Prime Minister Imran Khan to Karachi to inaugurate development projects has not been finalized yet. “But we have asked the prime minister to visit Karachi on February 7,” said Ismail.

Speaking on the occasion, GDA leader Rashidi said that they discussed several issues, such as gas shortage, load-shedding, and scarcity of water, with the PTI leadership in detail. “It was a constructive meeting,” he said. He said that GDA will continue its support to the federal government.

The PTI delegation comprised MPAs Firdous Shamin Naqvi, Haleem Adil Shaikh, Khurram Sherzaman, Jamal Siddiqui and Saeed Afridi.