Punjab Chief Minister meets Sindh Governor

 
Punjab Chief Minister meets Sindh Governor  

KARACHI, Feb 16 (Daily News Pakistan): The Punjab Chief Minister and President PML (N) Shahbaz Sharif met Sindh Governor Dr Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan at Governor House here Monday. This was the first direct contact between PML(N) and MQM after a lapse of about 10 years. 

It may be mentioned here that in the All Parties Conference held in London in 2006 under the chairmanship of Mian Nawaz Sharif, it had been decided through a unanimous resolution that no political party will maintain any contact with MQM. 

After this resolution, this contact between the two political parties was considered of very high importance. 

During the meeting the Chief Minister Punjab and Governor Sindh said that reconciliation and unity is the need of the hour to meet the challenges facing the country which cannot afford any confrontation in the present scenario. 

Sindh Senior Minister Pir Mazharul Huq, Khawaja Aasif and Ch. Jaffer Iqbal of PML(N) and Food Minister Punjab Nadeem Kamran were also present on the occasion. 

Talking to media after the meeting, Shahbaz Sharif described the unity and reconciliation among all political parties imperative to face the challenges facing the country and said all political parties will have to move ahead together on major issues. 

He pointed out that internal security, economy, law and order, agriculture and industry are faced with many challenges while the whole world is faced with a crisis which would certainly have its impact on Pakistan as well for which we should make preparations. 

He said the whole nation will have to develop consensus on water storage, the mineral resources had to be brought in use and energy generated from coal which would help provide jobs to millions of people and also help overcome energy crisis. “We have to protect national interests”, Shahbaz Sharif said. 

When asked whether it was official contact with MQM, Shahbaz Sharif affirmed the same and pointed out that he is also the President of PML (N). 

When reminded that in the London APC a resolution was passed that no contact will be maintained with MQM, the Punjab Chief Minister said this is not an issue. The issue is how to create unity, cohesion and reconciliation in the country because only a united Pakistani nation can encounter the challenges. 

When questioned whether any telephonic contact was made with MQM Chief Altaf Hussain, the Chief Minister said he told the Governor to convey his greetings to him and he said he will do it. 

Regarding possibility of a meeting between Altaf Hussain and Mian Nawaz Sharif, the Punjab Chief Minister said that everything is possible. 

He said Pakistan is our priority No 1 and opponent political parties of the past are now in the coalition government. 

On the occasion Governor Ishrat-ul-Ebad said he is thankful to Chief Minister Punjab and his delegation for coming to Governor House. 

He pointed out that he visited Sindh in connection with wheat requirement and donated wheat to Sindh and also allowed movement of wheat from Punjab to Sindh. 

Governor said that in the wake of obtaining national and international situation and the challenges through which Pakistan is passing, needs reconciliation and unity by remaining above politics and all are united on this because Pakistan cannot afford confrontation. 

He emphasised that the spirit which was demonstrated during and after October 8 earthquake, is again needed today. 

When asked whether Punjab Chief Minister invited him for visit to that Province, the Governor affirmed that yes has extended a warn invitation.