MQM to be handed another ministry

Decision was made ahead of passing the federal budget

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan-led federal government on Wednesday, ahead of passing of the federal budget, has decided to handover another ministry to the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM).

The call was made amid reports of widening rifts between the ruling party and the opposition over the newly announced appropriations for the upcoming fiscal year.

PM Imran communicated the matter after taking Sindh Governor Imran Ismail and Law Minister Farogh Naseem on board. The prime minister also entrusted the two senior leaders with the planning and implementation of the task.

The premier, on the occasion, also announced development packages for Karachi and Hyderabad.

For the third time on Tuesday, the budget session of the National Assembly ended up in pandemonium as the tug of war between the government and the opposition continued.

Due to the ruckus during Leader of Opposition Shehbaz Sharif's speech, NA deputy speaker had to adjourn the session before it could be resumed.

During the break, the treasury and opposition parliamentary leaders agreed to listen to one another in silence.