Karachi arch-rivals to work together in polls

ANP confirms seat adjustment with MQM for upcoming general elections

KARACHI: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan and Awami National Party have agreed to set aside their differences for a political reconciliation, according to reports.

The two bitter arch-rivals in the politics of Karachi over the past decade have agreed to seat adjustment for the upcoming general elections.



“There have been backdoor negotiations between MQM-P and ANP for the past few months. We have principally agreed for a seat adjustment with MQM in Karachi. Leaders of both the parties will soon make announcements in this regard,” ANP spokesperson Abdul Malik Achakzai said.

“The seat adjustment will be made with MQM-Bahadurabad,” Achakzai saying that were trying to set a new precedent in the history of Karachi where “ANP and MQM will support each other".

Achakzai remarked that in the last local government elections, MQM had approached ANP for seat adjustment.



"They were willing to give chairmanship of district municipal corporation west, but we delayed it. Now we are going to join hands with the party," he added.

Despite many attempts, the senior leadership of MQM could not be contacted in this regard, but a leader of the Baharduabad faction, requesting anonymity, said that both parties will hold a press conference in the coming days to announce the seat adjustment in Karachi.

Shahi Syed of ANP, contesting from NA-238 and NA-250 (Karachi), confirmed to The Express Tribune saying: “Everything is possible in politics where no one should have permanent friends and foes. MQM is a reality in Karachi and that is why we have decided to make an a seat adjustment with it.”