KARACHI: Former federal law minister Babar Awan arrived here from Islamabad on Sunday evening and along with Sindh Local Government Minister Agha Siraj Durrani called on Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad.

According to sources, they discussed the political situation with specific reference to the law and order situation in Sindh.

They also discussed the possibility of improving the PPP-MQM ties and of the latter rejoining the government.

They were expected to be joined by federal Religious Affairs Minister Syed Khurshid Shah who has been assigned to lead the PPP team in talks with Governor Ibad, a confidant of Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain who is reportedly looking after negotiations between the two parties for the latter's return to the government.

Mr Shah reached Karachi late in the night. Talking to reporters at the Jinnah Terminal he said there were no permanent friends and enemies in politics.

He said if the MQM had any complaint it could be redressed through talks.

He said he and his leaders were in politics to work in the interest of the province and the people.

Mr Awan has been bitterly criticised by PPP's leaders in Sindh, including some ministers, for his role in his last meeting with the governor in a bid to persuade the MQM to rejoin the government by conceding to restore the local government system introduced by the Musharraf government in Karachi and Hyderabad while maintaining the commissioner system in other districts of the province.

An ordinance issued in this connection by the governor triggered an intense reaction and a complete strike was observed in Sindh the following day in protest against the decision.

According to sources, Mr Awan maintained a low profile and avoided the media to keep his activities in Karachi secret.

Talking to reporters after the meeting, Mr Durrani expressed the hope that the “MQM will soon rejoin us”.

“The MQM had been in the government with us for over three and a half years and we will like them to be with us in future as well,” he said.