May 03, 2008	Saturday	Rabi-us-Sani 26, 1429

KARACHI, May 2: The chief of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, Altaf Hussain, has urged the prime minister to give complete provincial autonomy to all the federating units.

He was speaking at a workers’ meeting here at the party’s headquarters, Nine Zero, on Friday.

He maintained that the country would become stronger if the federation gave autonomy to all provinces. He demanded abolishment of the concurrent list from the 1973 Constitution.

He appreciated the efforts made by Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani for ensuring the release of all political leaders and workers in Balochistan. Mr Hussain asked the coalition government to take steps for the reconstitution of the NFC award so that Sindh could be given its due share.

He praised the efforts of the prime minister’s adviser on interior affairs, Rehman Malik, in bringing the MQM and the PPP closer. He also lauded the role of the PPP co-chairman, Asif Ali Zardari. He directed the MQM ministers to serve the people without any discrimination.