ISLAMABAD: Minister for Ports and Shipping Babar Khan Ghauri Friday said MQM’s opposition to National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) should not be construed as antagonism against PPP-led government.

Talking to a private TV news channel, 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.

Regarding PPP-MQM parleys in Dubai, he said agreement has been reached on tackling the issues together. 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.

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.—APP