PPP, MQM to start fresh talks for power-sharing in Sindh

KARACHI — Fresh talks for reconciliation and a possible power-sharing between the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) in Sindh are likely to resume in the next few days on the insistence of Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani.
The prime minister who was in Karachi on Saturday and met members of Sindh cabinet clearly stated that his government would pursue an integrated policy in all provinces and would prefer all parties to play their role for the progress and stability of the country that was passing through the most critical phase in the history.
During the meeting the prime minister emphasised that “it is his government’s desire that all political forces join hands on an issue-to-issue basis in Sindh” — remarks many political observers believe are a clear signal from Islamabad for resumption of talks with the MQM. During the meeting participants agreed that the MQM was a reality and could not be ignored and its sitting on the opposition benches could prove detrimental to peace efforts in the province.
The meeting was of the opinion that it would be in the best interest of the country and the province that all possible efforts should be made for accommodating the MQM in the democratic set-up. Efforts for a possible power-sharing in Sindh ended last week when the MQM decided to sit on opposition benches citing PPP’s ‘non-serious’ attitude and the large-scale postings of law enforcement personnel including the controversial Dr Shoaib Suddle as the reasons for its decision.
However, majority of the Sindh PPP leaders believe that the ‘non-serious attitude’ charge and postings of law enforcement personnel in the province were just mere excuses and the real reason behind talks breakdown was MQM’s insistence on having certain ministries in the province as well as governorship.
Although talks between the two parties are apparently over, some second-tier PPP leaders claim through Press statements that there is no deadlock and both sides are still in contact to find ways to remove misgivings.
Other issues discussed at the prime minister’s meeting with Sindh ministers were provincial autonomy, NFC award, water distribution and supply of wheat. The prime minister assured the meeting that provincial autonomy was a serious issue and would be decided to everyone’s satisfaction.