MQM stages walkout from Sindh Assembly; submits resignations
21 October, 2014
KARACHI: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) lawmakers on Monday staged a walkout from the Sindh Assembly session to protest against PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's criticism on MQM chief Altaf Hussain in October 18 rally.
MQM parliamentary leader Sardar Ahmad said that due to derogatory remarks from ranks of the Sindh government, the MQM Rabita Committee had decided to leave the coalition government and sit on opposition benches.
MQM MPA Khawaja Izharul Hasan said, "After our disassociation with the Sindh government, if officials, including bureaucracy, are involved in Sindh or Karachi in any enmity, the people would do accountability on roads. We can also use the heartbreaking remarks but it was the teachings of Altaf Hussain who stopped us to do so."
To MQM's criticism, Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah said Bilawal in his address at Mazar-e-Quaid had invited all political forces to come forward to work together in the national interest.
He said, "We wanted Sindh to develop and there should be no differences or divisions in the province. In Karachi over 250 PPP workers were killed. Who killed them?" he questioned. Sindh Information, Archives and Local Government Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon urged lawmakers to respect each other's political leadership.
"We would not tolerate harsh language against PPP leadership," he vowed. "I request my MQM friends not to talk irresponsibly." He invited the MQM to brush aside differences and come to work together. He said, "We will not allow the conspiracy to succeed creating differences among people of Sindh."
Later the speaker adjourned the House until Tuesday (today).
Earlier in the day, the MQM lawmakers submitted their resignations to Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad.
The resignations were submitted under the leadership of senior MQM lawmakers Faisal Sabzwari and Sardar Ahmed. While 3 other advisers presented their resignations to Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah.
Further, the MQM also submitted a separate application to the Sindh Assembly to allot seats on the opposition bench.
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