KARACHI, Dec 31: Convenor of Muttahida Qaumi Movement Dr Imran Farooq had telephonic exchange of views with ARD chief Makhdoom Amin Fahim and Akhtar Mengal, president Balochistan National Party on the current situation in Balochistan, construction of Kalabagh dam and the political situation in the country.

Dr Imran Farooq discussed the issue of Kalabagh dam with chairman of the PPP Parliamentarians Amin Fahim and said that despite political differences between the MQM and the PPP “in the larger interest of the smaller provinces, particularly Sindh, we must rise above our differences as our life and death is associated with Sindh.”

According to an MQM press release, Makhdoom Amin Fahim while agreeing with him stressed the need for bilateral cooperation for the rights of people of Sindh.

During his conversation with Akhtar Mengal, Dr Farooq deplored the ongoing operation in Balochistan and expressed grief over the killing of innocent people. Dr Farooq reiterated the MQM’s principled stand and said that despite being a member of the ruling coalition it was raising its voice against the operation in Balochistan.

While reiterating solidarity with the people on Balochistan and KBD issue, he stressed the need for dialogue. Akhtar Mengal is said to have reciprocated the sentiments and appreciated the MQM’s “courageous stand.”