ARD and MMA may not attend MQM's all parties conference

The Alliance for the Restoration of Democracy and the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal are unlikely to attend MQM's upcoming all parties conference (APC) on December 20. The cardinal reason, which is likely to come in the way of ARD and MMA, is Muttahida Qaumi Movement self-exiled leader Altaf Hussain's reported remarks against the creation of Pakistan and Kashmir issue, opposition sources told Business Recorder. Muttahida has announced to convene the APC to solicit views of all the political and religious parties on country's foreign policy, with particular reference to solution of Kashmir tangle.
"MQM convenor Dr Farooq Sattar telephoned me on Sunday and informally talked about their plan to call APC, but I told him that the Supreme Council of MMA will take a decision in this connection," Hafiz Hussain Ahmed said.
The MMA deputy secretary general told Business Recorder that in the backdrop of what appeared in the media vis-à-vis Altaf's views in recent weeks, the religious alliance was unlikely to take part in the APC.
He expressed astonishment on the government's silence on MQM leader's views about the two-nation theory, saying their (rulers') mum was conspicuous. "Either he is issuing such statements with the consent of the Centre or they are oblivious of the possible fallout of the same," he maintained.
Hafiz Hussain contended that MQM, being the government ally in the Centre and in Sindh was supposed to toe the government line, but what Altaf stated was unexpected for all and sundry.
"We will be keen to see what MQM has on its agenda for the APC," MMA leader replied to another question.
When asked for comments, ARD Parliamentary Secretary Izhar Amrohvi said that the top leadership of the alliance would decide whether or not to take part in the APC. However, he added that they had not so far received a formal invitation from MQM.
Sources said that it was quite possible that prior to taking any decision, both ARD and MMA might demand of the MQM chief to take back his words about the two-nation theory.