Govt seeking political solution of Karachi situation: Dr Firdous

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said on Tuesday that a political solution of Karachi was being sought as army actions in Karachi in the past could not deliver desired results.

Talking to media persons after attending the meeting of Senate Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting, Dr Firdous said military operation could only be a temporary solution but the government was aiming to find a permanent solution of the issue through political means.

To a question, she said that Pakistan Army is an important national institution which has always come to the aid of civil administration whenever its help was needed. She said that in war on terror and during last year's floods, the army has rendered unprecedented services for the nation.

She said, however that if the provincial government asks the federal government for Army support, the centre would take appropriate action.

She said that unity was the need of the hour and all political parties should show maturity and play positive role in overcoming the present crisis in the City of the Quaid. The minister said that Mutahidda Qaumi Movement (MQM) leadership also has to fulfill its responsibilities in this regard.

She said that MQM's concerns about Karachi situation were correct but demanding resignations from prime minister or Chief Minister Sindh was totally unjustified.

The minister said that Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani was in touch with all stakeholders including political forces, trade circles and religious parties. She also said that federal government was providing all possible support to the provincial government in fighting the miscreants in Karachi.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2011