KARACHI: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has declined to join Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf’s rally to be held in Islamabad on Nov 30, according to sources.

The invitation to participate in the rally was extended by Awami Muslim League (AML) president Sheikh Rashid Ahmed during a meeting held at a hotel with an MQM team led by Senator Babar Khan Ghauri.

The MQM leaders informed Sheikh Rashid that the Muttahida could not be part of any public meeting at the moment and that the coordination committee of the party would formulate its future strategy.

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Talking to reporters after the meeting, Shaikh Rashid said he had ties with the MQM and its chief Altaf Hussain since long and he wanted the party to play a role in the current situation.

“We have invited all parties to attend the Nov 30 peaceful public meeting,” he said.

In reply to a question, the AML chief said it was difficult to say anything about the possibility of an alliance between the MQM and the PTI.

Senator Ghauri said that MQM was a democratic party and believed that issues should be settled through negotiations. “However, holding protests is the right of every party.”

Answering a question, he said all parliamentary parties should be taken on board over the appointment of chief election commissioner and electoral reforms should be introduced before next polls.

Published in Dawn, November 27th , 2014