May 25, 2007	Friday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 08, 1428

KARACHI, May 24: Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad on Thursday continued his diplomatic initiative and held meetings with leaders of the opposition in a move described by political analysts as a belated attempt by the Muttahida Qaumi Movement to pacify opposition parties.

Dr Ibad went to the residence of Sindh PPP chief Syed Qaim Ali Shah to condole the death of PPP workers in the events of May 12.

Later, talking to newsmen, the governor said that he was contacting different opposition parties for the restoration of peace, hoping that his efforts would help develop a new political culture and understanding in the province.

He said priority should be given to peace and he was going to discuss the issue of de-weaponization, as we all as development of the city, with the opposition parties.

Mr Shah welcomed the governor and termed his visit a good sign. He said the PPP believed in a peaceful struggle for the restoration of the people’s rights.

Also present on the occasion were Opposition Leader in the Sindh Assembly Nisar Ahmed Khuhro, PPP leaders Aftab Shahban Mirani, Rashid Rabbani and Waqar Mehdi

FAZLUR RAHMAN: Later, the governor visited JUI leader and central MMA leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman in Manzoor Colony. The JUI leader reciprocated the governor’s overtures, assuring him of his help in establishing peace.

The maulana described the May 12 violence as a sad chapter in the history of the city, saying that efforts should be made for the restoration of peace.

He said he had certain complaints against the MQM, specifically why the party chose to hold a rally on May 12.

The maulana said that he would like to see what steps the governor was going to take regarding the de-weaponization of the city, so that such incidents were be repeated.

He suggested that de-weaponizaton should be extended to the whole of Sindh so that peace could prevail in the province. For this purpose we would extend our full cooperation, the Maulana promised.