PML-N, MQM-P 'alliance' to benefit entire country: Rafique

In response to a recent visit by the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) delegation to Lahore, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) reciprocated on Sunday with a visit to the former's party secretariat in Karachi.

Led by senior leader Khawaja Saad Rafique, the PML-N delegation aimed to dispel speculations about seat-sharing talks with MQM-P leaders ahead of the upcoming general elections.

Rafique, while addressing the media, clarified that no discussions on seat-sharing took place but stressed the potential benefits of an alliance between PML-N and MQM-P for the entire nation.

He also expressed gratitude for the warm welcome extended by MQM-P leaders and underscored the need for a fair distribution of resources. Rafique emphasised the urgency to address challenges faced by the country and strengthen the local government system.

"There was no talk of seat-sharing between us," Rafique clarified, adding that the focus of the discussion was on transforming Pakistan's democracy to truly represent the people.

Discussing the neglected state of Karachi, the PML-N leader outlined plans for reforms, particularly in the initial phase, and expressed the intention to advance talks with the Grand Democratic Alliance’s (GDA) Pir Pagara.

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Later, MQM-P Convener Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui echoed Rafique's sentiments, stating that the PML-N-MQM-P contact was a momentous step for “national security”.

Siddiqui emphasised the need for constitutional improvements to make the Constitution more people-friendly and highlighted the importance of protecting local governments for the benefit of the people.

During the media interaction, Siddiqui called for the establishment of a caretaker government after the completion of the mayor and deputy mayor's term.

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According to sources, the PML-N delegation held discussions with MQM-P leaders, where the latter presented their demands for both pre and post-election scenarios.

Sources indicate that the meeting covered the political situation in Sindh, electoral politics, new strategies, and three significant constitutional amendments.

Committees of three members each are reportedly set to be formed for ongoing communication and issue resolution between the two parties.

Earlier, this week after the MQM-P delegation visited the PML-N secretariat in Lahore, meeting its supremo Nawaz Sharif and President Shehbaz Sharif, the PML-N claimed that both parties had reached an agreement to jointly participate in elections.

However, MQM-P asserted that this alliance meant merely a seat adjustment formula, considering itself as the primary ally of PML-N in Sindh.