Federal Information Minister, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said the process of negotiations to strike a deal with Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) was underway to achieve political reconciliation in the country. "Political stability and reconciliation in the country is essential in the prevailing regional and international scenario," he said while addressing Itehad-ul-Muslimeen Conference here on Tuesday.

Shaikh Rahid said that he was unaware about any alliance between PPP and Mutahida Majlis-i-Amal (MMA), however, talks with PPP were being held. He ruled out any possibility of governor rule in Sindh and Balochistan saying that Chief Minister Arbab Rahim would continue as Chief Minister.

He said that party was united under the leadership of Chaudhary Shujaat Hussain adding that difference of opinion with in the party and small disputes were part of democracy and could not be ascribed as chaos.

Sheikh Rashid said that brotherhood and inter-religious harmony was the need of hour and those wanting the supremely of Islam must strive for these objectives.

He called upon all schools of thoughts to play their role for achieving religious harmony and brotherhood in the country and describe it the best way to serve the country and Islam.

Copyright Pakistan Press International, 2005