MQM quits, Sindh Governor also resigns

KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has decided to quit from the Pakistan People's Party led governments in centre and Sindh, senior MQM leader Farooq Sattar told the media on Monday.

Sindh Governor Dr. Ishrat ul Ebad Khan would also quit from the office of Governor Sindh, he said.

The longest serving Governor in the history of Pakistan has sent his resignation to President Asif Ali Zardari. Dr. Ishrat Ul Ebad Khan took oath of office of the Sindh Governor on Dec 27, 2002.

“The MQM leadership reached the conclusion that it is no longer possible for the party to continue functioning as part of the Pakistan People's Party-led coalition governmnet, keeping in view its undemocratic and dictatorial attitude," he said.

He said PPP was unwilling to mend its ways leaving MQM with no other option but to quit the coalition government, adding that from now on MQM lawmakers in federal and provincial assemblies would sit on opposition benches.

“MQM ministers were powerless and not allowed to work independently,” Farooq Sattar said and added that issues were raised in core committees with the PPP leadership on regular basis but to no avail.

Rehman Malik told MQM to stay away from the Azad Jammu and Kashmir assembly's Karachi seat and even threatened to postpone elections, MQM leader said.

MQM today also filed a petition in the Sindh High Court (SHC) against the deferment of June 26 scheduled Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJ&K) elections for the Karachi seats, which is expected to be placed for hearing tomorrow.