KARACHI, Feb 1: The Seraiki Qaumi Movement on Thursday announced its merger with the Mutthaida Qaumi Movement, reposing confidence in the leadership of MQM chief Altaf Hussain.

Announcing the decision at a press conference, Bibi Shahida Naz, former chairperson SQM said her party had taken the decision after giving it serious thought.

She said the politics and philosophy of the MQM would ensure a position in the developed world for the country.

Giving a brief history of the SQM, Shahida Naz introduced herself as the founder chairperson of SQM which was formed in 1989.

She said the SQM enjoyed popular status wherever a Seraiki population is present in the country. She also said she enjoyed the confidence of a large section of the Seraiki population which backed her decision.

Replying to a question, she said the decision to merge into the MQM was taken in the (SQM) central executive committee in which 13 votes were in favor of the merger while 8 were against the decision, she said.

Referring to the by-elections for NA-250 Shahida Naz said that she along with her associates will work for Syed Akhlaq Husain Abdi the MQM candidate.

Shahida Naz said she will also conduct press conferences in Punjab putting forward the cause of the MQM across the province.

Many political circles when asked for their reaction said, the merger is one of the many political consolidation that will be seen before the run up to the general election.