Islamabad, Apr 14: In response to the MQM’s decision to sit in the opposition, Pakistan Information Minister Sherry Rehman, one of the close lieutenants of the Bhutto family, has said that it was up to the MQM to decide whether to be a part of the government or remain aloof.

She said while her party recognized MQM’s presence, it was up to the party to be a part of the government and take responsibility in the turbulent times the country was going through, or maintain a distance.

“If some political forces believe the time is not right for them to take responsibility in running the country and helping to take it out of a difficult period, then we will not press anyone, but instead wait for opportunities where we can build bridges for Pakistan again. Anyone with their eye on the multiple crises afflicting Pakistan from both within and without will understand that consensus is the need of the hour,” The News quoted Sherry as saying.

She added: “The PPP has always believed in politics of tolerance and after the sacrifice of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed, the party co-chairman has adopted the path of constant engagement of political forces in the country.”

“The PPP will show exemplary maturity in its responses because it is the largest party in the country, it is also the government today, and because we have paid a heavy price for this fragile dawn of democracy,” she added.

“The MQM is a political reality of Sindh and it is up to them to decide whether to join the opposition or the coalition. We respect the MQM as well as other political powers," Sherry said further.

About reservations of the MQM and its point of view that the PPP was responsible for the failure of the talks, she said it was their point of view and in democracy everyone had a right to express their opinion. (ANI)