Speaking to media representatives in Islamabad, Interior Minister Rehman Malik said the Urdu-speaking community did not belong to the Muttahida Qaumi Movement only, but that members of the community also belonged to the Jamaat-i-Islaami, the Pakistan People's Party and other political parties. – File Photo

ISLAMABAD: Recollecting the many sacrifices that the Urdu-speaking community had made during Pakistan's formative years, Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Thursday apologised for senior provincial minister Zulfiqar Mirza's statement televised earlier, DawnNews reported.

Speaking to media representatives in Islamabad, Malik said the Urdu-speaking community did not belong to the Muttahida Qaumi Movement only, but that members of the community also belonged to the Jamaat-i-Islaami, the Pakistan People's Party and other political parties.

Moreover, he said it was one of slain leader Benazir Bhutto's decisions and directions for the PPP to work alongside the MQM and pursue political reconciliation with them.

He added that the MQM was a national party, and that he deeply respected MQM chief Altaf Hussain.

Opinion

Editorial

Hasty transition
Updated 05 May, 2024

Hasty transition

Ostensibly, the aim is to exert greater control over social media and to gain more power to crack down on activists, dissidents and journalists.
One small step…
05 May, 2024

One small step…

THERE is some good news for the nation from the heavens above. On Friday, Pakistan managed to dispatch a lunar...
Not out of the woods
05 May, 2024

Not out of the woods

PAKISTAN’S economic vitals might be showing some signs of improvement, but the country is not yet out of danger....
Rigging claims
Updated 04 May, 2024

Rigging claims

The PTI’s allegations are not new; most elections in Pakistan have been controversial, and it is almost a given that results will be challenged by the losing side.
Gaza’s wasteland
04 May, 2024

Gaza’s wasteland

SINCE the start of hostilities on Oct 7, Israel has put in ceaseless efforts to depopulate Gaza, and make the Strip...
Housing scams
04 May, 2024

Housing scams

THE story of illegal housing schemes in Punjab is the story of greed, corruption and plunder. Major players in these...