MQM-P hints at postponing sit-in

Convener says events of international importance under way in city

KARACHI:

Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) is considering postponing the February 12 sit-in.

MQM-P Convener Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, announced this on Saturday. Talking to the journalists at the temporary headquarters of MQM-P in Bahadurabad, Siddiqui said, "the protest decision might be reviewed because of Pakistan Navy Aman Exercise."

However, he said that the Pakistan Peoples Party would end the sit-in practically, considering MQM-P's advice and reservations.

Siddiqui said that the PPP has assured of accepting the demands of MQM-P in the meeting, but a notification is still pending. He reiterated that the sit-in of MQM-P is very necessary for the city. "There is room for flexibility in politics and political decisions, but the citizens of urban Sindh cannot compromise on their rights," he said.

Siddiqui said that by-polls and the general elections might also be postponed due to the country's deteriorating economic condition, adding that improving the economy is essential first; however, whether the elections were held or not, MQM-P is going ahead with its preparations."

When asked about the induction of more advisers in the already ample cabinet, he said, "MQM-P Special Assistant Sadiq Iftikhar has refused to take a salary."

Senior deputy convener of MQM, Dr Farooq Sattar, Syed Mustafa Kamal, MQM Coordination committee Shakeel Ahmed, Zahid Mansoori, Asia Ishaq and members of the central information department of MQM Pakistan were present on this occasion.

PPP contacts MQM-P

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leaders met the delegation of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and requested them to call off its sit-in expected to take place today at Fawara Chowk.

The negotiation meeting hosted by Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah at his residence discussed a number of concerns of MQM.

While addressing the meeting, MQM leaders voiced their concerns over the addition of 53 union councils (UCs) in Karachi and the inclusion of rural areas in Hyderabad’s urban areas, on which the PPP provided its assurances about their demands.

The meeting also negotiated on the matter of the MQM’s sit-in, which was expected to take place on Sunday. “The sit-in will end if MQM’s requirements are met timely,” said the MQM while negotiating during the meeting.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 12^th, 2023.