Qaim suspends Pitafi’s party membership, warns others to keep distance from Mirza

Karachi: Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah categorically stating on Thursday that Dr. Zulfiqar Mirza has no concern with PPP anymore.

He announced suspension of party membership of MPA Imdad Pitafi for his links with the former home minister.and warned others to keep distance from him or face action.

He also revealed that President Asif Ali Zardari, the Co-chairman of the party, has summoned Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memon to clarify his position regarding his London visit.

Addressing a press conference at Chief Minister’s House, Shah said that former Home Minister Sindh Zulfiqar Ali Mirza had nothing to do with party policies as he was not a part of PPP anymore.

He condemned his statements saying that he had been speaking even against President Asif Ali Zardari.

Flanked by Prof. N.D. Khan and Taj Haider, Chief Minister said that all members of the party have been instructed to stay away from Mirza otherwise they would have to bear the consequences. He said that even though social relationships cannot be cut off but action would be taken against those found supporting the former Home Minister Sindh.

He said the matter of Sharjeel Inam Memon would be decided by President Zardari.

Touching the PPP-MQM relations, Qaim Ali Shah said both the coalition partners are united.

“We had been taking unanimous decisions on all the important issues. We have told Altaf Hussain that we are united and we respect him a lot.”

Qaim said that those members who think they are correct in their stance should resign from party membership and contest the elections without PPP’s banner.

He said that he condemns the efforts of destabilizing the Government of Sindh. “We would not allow any such effort to succeed.

Responding to queries, CM said that the party has not decided to give party ticket to the son of Zulfiqar Mirza.

He also denied that there exists any forward block within the party, and added that PPP comprises of millions of workers and may be one or two might have a problem.

Talking about the documents which were taken by Zulfiqar Mirza to London, he showed unawareness regarding the authenticity of the documents.

“Mirza is not authorized to take away official documents,” he added. On a question, he said that the PPP has no differences with its coalition partners and on the contrary it has smooth alliance with MQM.

He said that three and half a year have passed smoothly while the remaining time would also go easily.

He further said that this year has been declared the year of development and they would try their best to fulfil the expectations of the masses.

Copyright PPI (Pakistan Press International), 2011