MQM-P warns PPP of ‘taking own decisions’ if promises not fulfilled

Muttahida Qaumi Movement – Pakistan (MQM-P) has threatened the coalition government that it would be compelled to “take its own decisions” if the ruling party of Sindh, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), did not keep its promises made to them ahead of joining the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) coalition for no-confidence motion against ex-premier Imran Khan.

Earlier this month, the MQM-P had discussed the progress of agreement reached with the PPP in the past. The party had demanded implementation of the Supreme Court decision regarding Article 140A of the constitution. The Muttahida leaders took firm stand on the issue and urged the PPP government to legalise the local bodies draft at the earliest.

The MQM-P demanded amendment in the local government law so that civic bodies, authorities and departments could be handed over to the mayor and district chairmen. The Muttahida said the local government revenue agencies should be given under mayor. Issues related to KDA also came up in the meeting clause by clause.

Addressing a news conference in Karachi on Sunday, MQM-P leader and former Karachi mayor Waseem Akhtar said that MQM-P had accepted two ministries on the insistence of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

READ MQM-P expresses concern over ‘no progress’ on agreement with PPP

Akhtar added that the party had clarified to the premier that it would not go with the government if the PPP did not implement the agreement in true letter and spirit and would put its case before the party’s Rabta (coordination) Committee.

He once again warned that they would look for their options if the prevailing situation persisted, adding that the premier had promised that he would ensure the PPP fulfilled its promises.

Akhtar maintained that the people would not embrace the defeat of MQM through gerrymandering in the local bodies’ elections in Sindh. He added that the people of Karachi would not accept forged census results.

A day earlier during PM Shehbaz’s day-long visit to Karachi, an MQM delegation met him and complained that its agreement made with the PML-N, of which the premier was the president, was not being kept.

It also discussed the appointment of a new Sindh governor with PM Shehbaz as well as development projects in Karachi.

The premier told the delegation that the government was working on the current economic challenges facing Pakistan and the country could not develop without the uplift of Karachi. He also told them that he was focusing on all the issues.

With input from DNA