Awami National Party (ANP) and Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) have affirmed to re-establish political and social contacts to create peace in the city. MQM also announced that it would support the change of NWFP name with Pukhtunkhwa as part of the constitutional package and revoking of Kala Bagh Dam project.
While ANP ensured that it will negotiate with other ruling coalition parties to give ministries to MQM in the federal government. Central president of Awami National Party (ANP), Asfandyar Wali Khan and deputy convenor of MQM (Rabita Committee) Farooq Sattar told the newsmen at a joint press conference held at Mardan House on Saturday evening that they have agreed on independent judicial probe into May 12 mayhem.
They will also play their role in bringing the culprits to justice. Earlier they held a meeting, which spanned over one and a half-hour to discuss the current political scenario of the country. On the occasion, Amin Khattak, Zahid Khan and Shahi Syed of ANP and Barbar Khan Ghauri, Shoib Bukhari and Wasim Aftab of MQM were also present.
They said that the national reconciliation process should succeed in the country. They termed the ANP and MQM relationship "natural", recalling the 80s ethnic clashes were amicably resolved by MQM chief Altaf Hussain and late Khan Abdul Wali Khan.
Leaders from both parties acknowledged that in the past conspiracies were brewed to politically discomfort them. They vowed to jointly foil all conspiracies aimed at creating rifts between them.
Farooq Sattar said that all bilateral issues between both parities would be addressed at a local leadership level, however in case of any deadlock, Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain and ANP central leader Asfandyar Wali will be requested to play their role.
He termed the national reconciliation process significant for resolution of swelling inflation, increasing poverty and energy crisis. He said that MQM would jointly work with ANP to develop the city on the modern lines. Asfandyar Wali Khan said at the meeting with MQM local leadership it has been decided to jointly work for the betterment of the city and restore peace.
He said that that Karachi is the biggest city of Pukhtuns and peace in Swat and Dir is primarily linked with the peace of the metropolis. He said that he has also discussed issues of inhabitants of katchi abadis and transporter with Farooq Sattar.
Wali said that his party believes in the notion of non-violence, which he referred to Bacha Khan and wants peace to prevail in Karachi also. He urged on all political parties to become part of the national reconciliation process to get rid of all outstanding problems.