The government on Tuesday again distanced itself from the remarks made by former senior Sindh minister Dr Zulfiqar Mirza against Muttahida Qaumi Movement besides turning down the demand of opposition parties to form a judicial commission to probe the allegations.
Speaking at a news conference here, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan vowed to continue across the board operation in Karachi till its objectives were achieved to ensure protection of life and property of the people. When asked to comment on the Dr Mirza's remarks, she said it was his personal views and the party has already disowned these allegations.
She added that Pakistan People's Party was firmly committed to pursue the policy of national reconciliation and would not allow anybody to promote personal agenda using it as a forum. "They know it is an individual act and has nothing to do with the government policy," she said, terming Mirza's remarks as a verbal deluge. She said the government had not only disowned the remarks but had also condemned it.
To a question, she said the government recognises the services of National Assembly Speaker Dr Fehmida Mirza and she would continue performing her responsibilities, adding that President Asif Ali Zardari has stated in clear terms that Mirza's individual act would not affect his spouse Dr Fehmida Mirza in political terms and she would continue as Speaker of the National Assembly.
When asked if the government would form a judicial commission to probe the serious allegations levelled by Zulfikar Mirza against MQM and Interior Minister Rehman Malik, she said the Supreme Court had already taken suo motu notice of the law and order in Karachi and can proceed further if it deemed it appropriate.
She further said the doors of courts were open for any individual who think somebody had flouted the law. Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said she visited flood-affected areas on the instructions of the Prime Minister to express solidarity with them on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.
She said the Prime Minister has issued instructions for provision of shelter and rehabilitation to the affected families before winter, adding that the affected people were being provided three months ration. She said two NDMA helicopters were engaged in relief and rescue operation in the affected areas.
The minister said she was embarking on a visit to China and Norway on Wednesday where she will represent Pakistan at the international information ministers conference. She said the conference will deliberate on effectively sharing information and use of modern technology for access to information. She said Pakistan will take benefit of the best practices being exercised in other countries.
She said during her visit, modalities to set up Media University in co-operation with China would also be finalised. She said we want to start work on the university this year. In Norway, she said, she will receive award on behalf of Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani who has been nominated for the award for promoting democratic norms and reconciliation policy. She will also meet Norway's leadership and have an interaction with Pakistani community.