MQM-P weighs joining opposition if demands not met

It might contemplate joining the government if PML-N gives reply on its three-point agenda

LAHORE:

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) has categorically denied engaging in any power-sharing negotiations at the moment, asserting that it has initially sought positions from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) regarding the implementation of their three-point agenda.

The party states that if the PML-N provides a satisfactory response, they may contemplate joining the government; otherwise, they are prepared to sit on the opposition benches.

A MQM-P delegation, led by Dr Farooq Sattar, Mustafa Kamal and Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, held talks with PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif, who is also a prime ministerial candidate for the majority party.

Media reports suggest that the discussions revolved around a power-sharing formula encompassing the governorship of Sindh, legal matters, Karachi’s development and allocation of funds.

Speculation was rife that MQM sought Kamran Tessori’s continuation as the governor of Sindh as part of the proposed power-sharing arrangement.

The meeting was mainly attended by PML-N leader Ishaq Dar, Azam Nazir Tarar, Rana Mahud, Rana Sanaullah and Ata Tarar. The meeting concluded without reaching a consensus, leading to expectations of another round later in the day, though both sides remained tight-lipped until the filing of this report.

According to an official statement, Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged MQM's role during the no-confidence motion against PTI founder and former prime minister Imran Kha and in averting default. The statement emphasised the leaders' commitment to working together for the nation's prosperity, prioritising national interest over personal concerns.

MQM Convener Khalid Maqbool Saddique vehemently rejected the impression of his party seeking federal ministries from PML-N. He clarified that the delegation met the nominated prime minister to gauge his stance on their three-point agenda, centred around devolving power and funds to the grassroots level.

He said that they were not yearning for any ministries, even during Shehbaz Sharif‘s last stint, they asked him to keep their ministries with him, as for them their principles were more important than any ministries.

He said that, however, then PML-N needed them to keep its government intact now this was not the case. They have the numbers, and can even function without their support.

He said that they would not join the government without assurance of implementation of their agenda.

Responding to queries about the number of ministries MQM would expect, he stated they would seek ministries based on a share.

Regarding the demand for governorship, he emphasised the need to understand PML-N's position before entering negotiations for such a position.

When queried about PPP's backing for PML-N at the centre, which meant that the latter might incline towards PPP in the event of a disagreement between the two parties, he said that destiny appears to have steered them away from the power centre.

The MQM delegation also convened with PML-Q chief Chaudhary Shujaat and other leaders of his party at his residence in Lahore, where the two sides deliberated on the prevailing political scenario and the process of government formation.

On the other hand, PML-Q leader Chaudhary Salik Hussain also met with the nominated prime minister at his residence. Much like MQM, PML-Q was also seeking ministerial positions in the incoming government of Shehbaz Sharif.

Although PML-Q, unlike MQM, has an even thinner presence in the National Assembly and numerically contributes little to the discussion from its end, in contrast to MQM, which boasts 17 elected members in the house.

Though PML-Q unlike MQM with even a thinner presence in the National Assembly, numerically bring nothing to the table from its end as opposed to MQM which has 17 elected members in the house.

Shehbaz was also called on by IPP President Aleem Khan, whose party too failed to grab any respectable share in the NA despite a large number of PTI defectors taken to be electables sent to its party by the establishment.

IPP too only managed to get three seats, which includes the two controversial victories of Aleem Khan himself and Awn Chaudhry.

Separately, a delegation of the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) led by its President Khalid Hussain Magsi met with Shehbaz.
The delegation included Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani and Senator Kauda Babar.

Issues related to the country's situation and political cooperation were discussed in the meeting.

The delegation congratulated Shehbaz on being nominated as the prime minister.

Shehbaz appreciated the support of BAP during the 16-month coalition government.

The leaders agreed to promote unity and political cooperation to counter future economic threats to the country, noting that political stability was essential to deal with economic risks.

They agreed to move ahead with political unity and cooperation keeping in mind the country's interests. “Protecting Pakistan from economic threats is the duty of every patriot.”