PTI negotiators see allies back in fold soon

No breakthrough in fresh round of talks with MQM-P

ISLAMABAD/ LAHORE:  

The three committees, formed by Prime Minister Imran Khan to placate the government’s disgruntled allies, on Thursday appeared to be confident of succeeding in their efforts within seven to 10 days, but a key coalition partner, the PML-Q, expressing its frustration yet again and another round of talks with another ally, the MQM-P, ending inconclusive on the same day showed that the negotiators have their work cut out for them.

"We have chalked out a strategy to negotiate with the allies and hopefully in seven to 10 days address their reservations,” Defence Minister Pervez Khattak, the head of the committees, told reporters presiding over the first meeting of the three teams of negotiators on Thursday.

The three bodies, formed to deal separately with the allies in Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan, met at the Parliament House. They replaced an earlier committee that comprised Khattak, senior PTI leader Jahangir Tareen, Pervez and PM’s aide Shahzad Arbab.

To a question, Khattak told the media that the prime minister would decide whether or not Tareen would be included among the negotiators.

“The decision to form new committees was made by the prime minister,” he added.

“We will continue negotiations with the allies on the same lines as Jahangir Tareen did. He [Tareen] will also meet with the prime minister.”

Planning and Development Minister Asad Umar, who is part of the team formed to negotiate with the allies in Sindh, told reporters after the meeting that only one coalition partner had objected to formation of the new committees.

He further said the coalition partners did not wish to further delve into matter already settled with the previous committee.

Punjab Chief Minister Usman Bazdar, who is among the negotiators in his province, said all reservations of the allies would be addressed.

To a query, the Punjab CM said most of the country’s development work was being carried out in his province.

“I can only pray for those who are opposing me” he added.

Sindh Governor Imran Ismail said the MQM-P would soon return to the cabinet, referring to Karachi-based coalition partner’s convener Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, who had announced his resignation from the post of federal minister last month to push for his party’s demands.

“We have addressed most of the MQM-P’s reservations and talks on a few issues are under way,” he added.

“We have a good relationship with the MQM-P and we are holding talks every day.”

The governor further said the cabinet had discussed the contentious issue of the Sindh police chief between the Centre and the provincial government.

“If the Sindh government agrees to hold talks on the matter, it will become easier. It’s the prime minister’s prerogative to decide if the IGP should be changed or not.”

The planning and development minister and the Sindh governor also met the MQM-P leadership on Thursday but failed to break the impasse.

Speaking to reporters after the fresh round of talks, Siddiqui said the control over Karachi’s funds should be handed over to its municipalities.

“We want the resolution of problems faced by the citizens of Karachi,” he added.

He noted that Karachi generated 65% and 95% of the Centre and Sindh’s revenue respectively and paid 89% of the taxes.

“There are several commitments that are yet to be fulfilled.”

Speaking on the occasion, Planning Minister Umar said the PTI wanted to address the grievances of Karachi as well.

“The PTI and the MQM-P both have a mandate in Karachi and both parties wish to work for its betterment,” he added.

Umar further said talks with the Karachi-based ally would continue and there were no complications.

Sindh Governor Ismail, who is also in the government’s negotiating team, said the meeting took place in an amicable atmosphere.

“There are no issues that can’t be resolved,” he added.

Speaking to reporters in Lahore before his departure to perform Umrah, PML-Q leader Chaudhry Shujaat again expressed his disapproval of the manner in which the ruling party was dealing with its coalition partners.

“Some people are telling the prime minister to be stubborn towards his allies,” he added.

“He [PM Imran] should stay away from such troublemakers.”

The veteran politician said the PML-Q had teamed up with the PTI in the greater interest of the country and not for personal gains.

“The PML-Q will continue to stick to its original position.”

To a question, Shujaat said he would pray for the prime minister while performing Umrah so that he could stay away from the troublemakers, who had created problems during every government’s tenure.

Earlier, Shujaat had said the premier faced a threat from people within his own party instead of his allies.

His cousin, Punjab Assembly Speaker Pervaiz Elahi, had also expressed his growing restlessness over the government frequently changing committees to negotiate with his party and told the PTI to treat its allies properly.

However, Punjab Governor Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar, who is part of the negotiating team in the province, told reporters that the PML-Q stood by the government.

“Prime Minister Imran Khan is a firm leader and doesn’t compromise on principles,” he added.

“The PTI will contest the local bodies polls and the next general elections in alliance with the PML-Q and take it on board on all issues.”