ISLAMABAD: The ruling PML-N and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) resumed their dialogue on Wednesday over the issue of forming a committee to look into the grievances of the MQM regarding the ongoing Karachi operation.

Sources told Dawn that the two parties exchanged drafts of their proposals on the composition of the agreed ‘Grievances Redressal Committee (GRC)’ and its terms of reference in the presence of their legal aides.

Members of both parties expressed their satisfaction over the progress made so far in the talks. They said the talks would continue on Thursday (today).

One of the members representing the government told Dawn that the talks were being held in a good atmosphere and the formation of the committee could be expected after Thursday’s meeting. He claimed that there were no differences between the two sides and some minor improvements were being made to the final draft.

The last round of talks between the PML-N and MQM was held on Aug 25, after which members of the MQM delegation returned to Karachi for consultations within the party.

Sources said the government had given the MQM a draft of the notification for the formation of the GRC and the party had promised to respond to it after a legal review.

The MQM team was led by Dr Farooq Sattar. Other members were Kanwar Naveed Jamil, Waseem Akhtar and barrister Mohammad Ali Saif. Finance Minister Ishaq Dar led the ruling party’s delegation at the meeting held at Punjab House. He was joined by federal Information Minister Pervez Rashid and barrister Zafarullah Khan.

According to sources, the MQM had proposed the names of retired judges, former army officers, former bureaucrats and members of civil society to be included in the GRC. Sources suggest that one name agreed upon by both parties for the GRC was that of retired Justice Nasir Aslam Zahid.Both sides claimed that the talks were being held in a good environment and progress had also been made. The MQM agreed to reconsider its decision about resigning from the national and provincial assemblies after receiving an assurance from the government that it would form a committee to redress the party’s grievances.

Published in Dawn, September 3rd, 2015

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