KARACHI — President Zardari stresses political harmony as he met key political leaders in Karachi to discuss national unity, internal security and the need for cooperation among political parties during a period of regional uncertainty.
According to an official statement from the Presidency, Asif Ali Zardari held a meeting with Mohsin Naqvi, Pakistan’s interior minister, and Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, convener of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement – Pakistan, to discuss the importance of unity and political cooperation.
The meeting took place in Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city and economic hub, where leaders exchanged views on governance issues and the broader national situation.
President Zardari Stresses Political Harmony and National Unity
During the discussion, President Zardari highlighted the need for cooperation among political parties to ensure peace, democratic continuity and institutional stability.
“The president stressed unity and stronger efforts for peace and rule of law,” the Presidency said in a statement posted on X.
The meeting underscored the importance of joint political efforts to maintain stability in Pakistan as the country faces both internal governance challenges and shifting regional dynamics.
Leaders also exchanged views on the internal security situation and matters related to law and order across the country.
According to the official statement, participants reviewed the evolving regional situation and its potential implications for Pakistan’s security environment.
Zardari emphasized the importance of strengthening internal security institutions and ensuring public safety.
Karachi Governance and Development Projects Discussed
Sources familiar with the meeting said discussions also included development initiatives in Karachi, particularly projects funded by the federal government aimed at improving infrastructure and civic services.
Karachi has long faced challenges related to urban governance, infrastructure management and coordination between federal, provincial and municipal authorities.
The meeting also touched upon relations between the Pakistan Peoples Party and the MQM-P, two political parties that remain allies in Pakistan’s coalition government at the federal level.
Despite their alliance, tensions have surfaced in recent months over governance issues in Karachi.
Political Tensions After Gul Plaza Incident
Political friction between the PPP and MQM-P intensified following the Gul Plaza fire incident, which sparked criticism regarding municipal management and emergency response.
MQM-P leaders have demanded stronger federal involvement in Karachi’s administration, including calls for the city to be placed under federal jurisdiction.
The tensions escalated when senior MQM-P leader Farooq Sattar publicly urged Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, chairman of the PPP, to seek the resignation of Murad Ali Shah, the chief minister of Sindh, and Murtaza Wahab, the mayor of Karachi.
Both officials belong to the PPP and have been criticized by MQM-P leaders over the city’s administrative challenges.
READ MORE:
Governor Change Adds to Political Dynamics
The political landscape became more complex earlier this week when Kamran Tessori was removed from the position of Sindh governor and replaced by Nehal Hashmi, a senior leader from the Pakistan Muslim League (N).
The change was widely viewed as part of broader coalition arrangements between the PPP and PML-N.
Under their agreement to form a federal government, the two parties had negotiated the distribution of gubernatorial positions across provinces.
However, MQM-P leaders criticized the move, saying the party had not been consulted before Tessori’s removal and calling it a “grave mistake”.
Tessori himself said he was aware of the circumstances behind the decision but would remain politically silent “in the larger national interest”.
For broader coverage of Pakistan’s political developments, see reporting by Reuters.
Bilawal Bhutto Calls for Political Unity
Meanwhile, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also emphasized the need for political unity amid global tensions.
Speaking at a PPP parliamentary party meeting at Bilawal House in Karachi, he said all political forces should remain united in the face of global uncertainty and regional instability.
“We are among those who extinguish fires, not those who ignite them,” Bilawal said while responding to criticism surrounding the Gul Plaza incident.
He also defended Mayor Murtaza Wahab, saying the Karachi mayor was being “unfairly targeted”.
