MQM workers appeal Altaf not to contact PPP

Karachi, Feb 23 : The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) workers have appealed to their leader Altaf Hussain not to engage in talks with the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) in connection with the formation of government.

Senior Deputy Convener MQM Coordination Committee, Tariq Javed and member Salim Shahzad in a statement issued from London, said they welcome the step of MQM Chief Altaf Hussain to talk to PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari.

However, some of the leaders of PPP including Nafees Siddiqui are saying that they have their reservations in forging a coalition with the MQM.

Tariq Javed and Salim Shahzad quoted MQM workers as saying that the PPP rank and file appear to be ready to join hands with the Pakistan Muslim League (N), which they (MQM workers) said, carried out retaliatory actions against Benazir Bhutto and the PPP.

Tariq Javed and Salim Shahzad said the MQM workers are not ready for agreement with PPP.

"More than 15000 MQM workers were executed in extra judicial killings in the government of PPP while 28 arrested workers are still missing," The News quoted them, as saying.

ANI