HYDERABAD, Jan 5: A federal minister has urged the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) to review its decision of joining the planned march on Islamabad of Tehrik-i-Minhajul Quran.

The advice was given to the MQM by Defence Minister Syed Naveed Qamar while talking to journalists after attending the 85th birth anniversary programme of Z.A. Bhutto in Tando Mohammad Khan on Saturday.

He also inaugurated a number of development schemes in the city. Mr Qamar said the PPP was a party of the masses and it would foil every attempt aimed at derailing next general election.

Earlier Dr Qadri left the country before elections and there was likelihood that he would do the same before the upcoming elections, he said. The PML-Q had not decided to take part in the long march, Mr Qamar said.

Regarding terrorism and extremism, the minister said the government was fighting the menace and it would continue to do so. Z.A. Bhutto sacrificed his life for the cause of democracy and the present government had filed a case in the Supreme Court for reopening his trial case.

The government would consult only opposition parties for the appointment of a caretaker set-up and not those having dual nationalities, Mr Qamar said. He said the PPP was in consultation with the leaders of political parties for a caretaker set-up.

Regarding seat adjustment with allies, he said it would be decided as per the situation as no final decision had yet been taken.

He pinned his hopes on the leadership of Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and said the PPP would definitely win the elections.

Expressing displeasure over the rising crime rates, the minister called for taking stringent steps in this regard.

PPP district senior vice-president Ejaz Nabi Shah, vice-president Syed Ejaz Shah, PPP women’s wing president Sakina Khaskheli and others were present on the occasion.