GDA, MQM-P reach understanding on seat adjustments

MQM-P leader denies reports of efforts for patch-up between MQM-P and PSP

KARACHI: In an effort to outmanoeuver the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in the coming elections, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement - Pakistan (MQM-P) has reached some understanding on seat adjustments with the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) across the province.

The GDA, an alliance of different Sindh-based political parties and independent groups, has fielded candidates against the PPP in various districts of Sindh. It is headed by the Pakistan Muslim League - Functional (PML-F) chief, Pir Pagara Sibghatullah Shah Rashdi.

A delegation of the GDA led by Pir Sadaruddin Shah Rashdi met MQM-P leaders on Monday evening in which both the parties decided to support each other's candidates in Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Mirpurkhas and other districts of Sindh, a senior PML-F leader confirmed. The GDA delegation also comprised Sardar Rahim and Nand Kumar Goklani.

The MQM-P leaders who were present at the meeting included party convener Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Aamir Khan and Faisal Subzwari.

The GDA has also been trying to make seat adjustments with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in some constituencies of the province. PTI's Shah Mehmood Qureshi who is contesting the elections from NA-221 Tharparkar has already secured the GDA's support.



Sources privy to the development informed The Express Tribune that the GDA is also willing to play the role of mediator between the Pak Sarzameen Party (PSP) and MQM-P.

"Efforts are afoot to help reach some understanding between the PSP and MQM-P," sources said, adding that a meeting is expected between leaders of both the parties in the next few days.

When asked whether the MQM-P was considering any patch-up with the PSP, MQM-P leader Aminul Haq rebutted such reports. He, however, confirmed that the party had agreed for seat adjustments with the GDA. "Delegation led by Sadaruddin Shah Rashdi visited our office and we discussed various options in the interests of Sindh," he said, adding that the final decision in this regard will be made in the next few meetings.

GDA leader Rahim also confirmed that the alliance had successful deliberations with the MQM-P. Both parties have decided not to field candidates against each other in Karachi and other districts of Sindh, he said.