February 25, 2008	Monday	Safar 17, 1429

KARACHI, Feb 24: A representative gathering of Karachi’s business community has expressed serious concern over the prevailing political situation in the country, particularly in Sindh, observing that the country’s progress will suffer badly if the mandate given by the people of Karachi to a particular party is not accepted.

Representatives of all the five industrial areas – Site, North Karachi, Landhi, Korangi and F.B. Area – the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry and other associations, gathered to discuss the prevailing political situation which might affect the country’s economy and create unrest in the metropolis.

The gathering held at a local hotel was also joined by Karachi Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal.

The industrialists felt that if the Pakistan People’s Party and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement would not work together the situation would negatively affect not only their businesses but also the country’s economy.

When the representatives discussed the situation with the nazim, he explained that the Muttahida had already offered unconditional cooperation to the PPP for formation of a coalition government in the Centre and the province.

Mr Kamal warned that if the mandate given by the people of Karachi was not respected, it would breed hatred among people.

He said the country was divided in 1971 when the mandate given by the people to a particular party was not accepted.

He made it clear that formation of a coalition government or sharing power was not important but it was more important to accept the mandate given by people of Karachi in a dignified and respected manner.

He felt that the prevailing condition and some irresponsible statements were aimed at isolating the people of Karachi which might cause unrest.

The businessmen were of the view that all stakeholders should accept each others’ mandate with open heart and work together in the larger interest of the country.

The participants of the gathering agreed that business community should play a role to bridge the gap between the representatives of Sindh.

In this regard, they discussed several ideas, including formation of a delegation to meet the PPP and the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) leaders in Islamabad and to convince them for recognising the party which had got majority vote in the urban areas of Sindh.