MQM-P threatens to join opposition benches

MNAs assert they don't care a fig about ministries that bring disrespect; stage a walkout

ISLAMABAD:

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) – part of the PML-N-led government – continued to turn up the heat against the government on Wednesday as it fired a warning shot across the coalition by threatening to backpedal from “here to there”.

The party – whose crucial support to the then opposition muscled out PTI’s government earlier this year – slammed the government, saying it did not care a fig about the ministries that came at the cost of respect.

Speaking in the National Assembly, MQM-P MNA Salahuddin warned that his party will not take a minute before moving from the treasury to opposition benches, adding “we have paid a heavy price to support you”.

MQM-P MNA Engineer Sabir Hussain Kaimkhani said he was in the assembly after being elected by his constituency and does not need to beg for the seat of anyone.

"We get these ministries, these seats so as to earn respect and serve. If we don't even get respect after getting these seats, then we [reject this]," he said.

The problems of the people in my constituency are not being solved, he lamented.

Kaimkhani said there was "one person present here because of whom we don't have the necessities in our city".

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

“Our airport is shut, our PIA (Pakistan International Airline) office is closed, there are accidents on our railway tracks every day and blasts occur on our railway tracks. But no one is here to answer for the railway and PIA’s downgrade."

The MNA, elected from Hyderabad, lamented that there was no electricity in his city. "This attitude will not make this government work. The budget did not give any priority to projects in our areas."

"I am walking out against their behaviour and I am leaving after saying this: With them, neither the government nor the assembly can run," Kaimkhani said.

However, the MQM-P leaders came back to the house after being dissuaded by the PML-N leaders from staging a walkout.