ABU DHABI: MQM Opposing NRO Not PPP Govt: Babar Ghauri, Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping Babar Khan Ghauri Friday said MQM’s opposing NRO should not be construed as antagonism against PPP-led government.

Babar Ghauri said MQM, despite being part of the government, had also opposed Nizam-e-Adl Regulation. “Therefore, NRO’s opposition does not at all mean that MQM is opposing the PPP-led government,” he added.

To a question, he said MQM did not make any complaint in connection with the provincial government. “The talks only focused on the challenges being faced by Pakistan and the current national political scenario.”

He said views were also exchanged on issues including sugar and power crisis as well as the prevailing economic slowdown in the country.

The Federal Minister said agreement has been reached on tackling the issues together.

He said a number of differences also came under discussion.

Babar Ghauri said Zulfiqar Mirza and Rehman Malik represented the PPP side in the negotiations.

He clarified that there is no deadlock on the matter of local bodies and nothing was discussed in this regard.

PAKISTAN: Democracy Would Not be Derailed, Assures Nawaz Sharif, PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif said that democracy would not be derailed, the there is a chance for the government to restore the constitution in its real shape.
Addressing a procession in Gilgit, he said that reinstatement of deposed judges was a success of the nation. He said, “We want to work along with PPP to establish rule the law in the country.” He said that it is the time to implement the Charter of Democracy and repeal the 17th Amendment.
He said that he does not believe on Minus One Formula, however, President Zardari should realize the wishes of the people. He said that federal government should not interfere in the matters of upcoming Gilgit government. However, issue of Gilgit-Baltistan status should be moved to the Parliament.