Pakistani PM wins back majority in parliament after fuel price row

Pakistani PM wins back majority in parliament after fuel price row

2011-01-08 19:12:15 GMT+7 (ICT)

KARACHI, PAKISTAN (BNO NEWS) -- Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Friday won back a majority in the parliament as the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) rejoined his coalition.

According to Geo TV, MQM announced it was rejoining the coalition government but not the federal cabinet. MQM, the second-largest member of the ruling coalition, joined the opposition after the government increased fuel prices.

On New Year's Eve, Gilani announced that prices of all petroleum products (POL products) were being increased by 9 percent to compete against the rising prices in the world market.

However, opposition parties demonstrated their disagreement and resulted in the defection of MQM from the ruling coalition the following day. On Thursday, the Pakistani Prime Minister announced the reversal of the recent increase on the POL prices.

MQM Rabitta Committee leader Raza Haroon said that the decision to rejoin the coalition was made in the greatest national interest. He also confirmed that the reversal of fuel prices was fundamental for supporting Gilani again.

On Thursday, the Prime Minister vowed to take MQM and all Parliamentary parties into account on all issues including future price hikes. Gilani also asked MQM leaders to rejoin the government following his announcement.

On early Friday, the PM received a very warm welcome upon his arrival at MQM Headquarters 'Nine Zero' for the first time ever. Gilani and his delegation were welcomed by MQM leaders Babar Khan Ghouri, Raza Haroon amd other Rabita Committee members.

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