Muttahida, ANP set differences aside to work together

A delegation of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), led by their Convener Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, called on Awami National Party (ANP) Sindh President Shahi Syed at the latter’s residence, Mardan House, on Wednesday. They discussed the post-election situation, establishing a working relationship between the two parties and other matters.

MQM-P senior deputy conveners Syed Mustafa Kamal and Dr Farooq Sattar, Deputy Convener Anis Qaimkhani and Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori were also part of the delegation.

Speaking to the media later, Siddiqui said their meeting was very important. “The biggest benefit of our unity is for Pakistan. The peace of this city is the peace of Pakistan. Today we have closed the path of hatred, conflict and fighting.”

He said that there was no political agenda for the meeting. “There was no seat adjustment between us. There was seat sharing between us. They supported our candidates,” he added. “Let us come together and build Karachi. I am very grateful to Shahi Syed for inviting us here. Shahi Syed has supported our stance on resolving the problems of Karachi. We have a lot of work to do. We have to go to every street and neighbourhood,” said the MQM-P chief.

“The 18th amendment has given the status of industry to the oppressors, usurpers and corruption. We need real democracy in this country, and the 26th amendment is the only solution to the problem.”

Syed said he welcomed the MQM-P delegation to his house. “We have met for the sake of peace in Karachi. We’re getting good results from each other,” he added. He said Urdu- and Pashto-speaking people are happy. “I’m grateful to Mustafa Kamal for taking the initiative,” he remarked.

“Elections happen. Someone loses and someone wins. Our basic goal is peace in this city. We consider the 18th amendment our success, but the 18th amendment has not been implemented,” he pointed out. “We will continue our struggle until the districts are given their rights. We will jointly solve the problems of education and health in the city. We will free this city of drugs and land grabbers.”