KARACHI, Nov 8: Senior Minister for Health Syed Sardar Ahmad has said that despite mudslinging targeted at the MQM chief, and character assassination of Mohammad Hussain as resorted to by opposition members, his party members had made every effort to defuse tension by suggesting that the two members involved, Mr Zahid Bhurgari and Mohammad Hussain, be asked to apologise to the house. However, he regretted, the opposition did not like the suggestion.

Addressing a press conference in his chamber after the session was adjourned, Mr Ahmad recalled that the unpleasant situation was created during speeches on points of order. About six members spoke on their points of order, but Mr Bhurgari crossed limits by passing offending remarks against our Quaid that provoked all MQM members, he claimed.

He maintained: “If you would speak against our Quaid, we would also respond in the same manner. The minister also referred to Mr Dharejo’s reference that Mr Hussain had been lodged in jail, and pointed out that he might have forgotten that only leaders are sent to jail for their belief and ideology.

Minister for Local Government Mohammad Hussain said that the opposition did not agree to the suggestion of apology by him and Mr Bhurgari because this would ultimately pave the way for legislation business and the opposition, he claimed, did not want this to happen.