The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) was expected to hold final round of negotiations with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) before taking its decision about joining the coalition government, party sources said on Sunday.
According to the sources, privy to the discussion in the party’s Coordination Committee, the MQM-P wanted to allow Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori to continue in the post, otherwise, according to some suggestions, the party would prefer to sit on the opposition benches.
In various media interviews, Senior Deputy Convener Dr Farooq Sattar and newly-elected National Assembly member (MNA) Mustafa Kamal both expressed their optimism about the ongoing coalition talks with the PML-N, hoping to reaching consensus on all issues very soon.
“Kamran Tessori is the MQM’s choice for the governor’s post,” Dr Sattar told a private TV channel in an interview. Regarding the ongoing discussions with PML-N on forming the coalition, he expressed his optimism about reaching consensus soon.
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Despite challenges in joining the government, Sattar affirmed MQM's dedication to political stability and national progress, pledging cooperation wherever necessary. He highlighted PML-N's recognition of the MQM's pivotal role in the parliamentary politics its status as an important ally.
Similar views were expressed by Kamal, who told another private TV channel that there was no “deadlock” in the talks with the PML-N on ministries. “There are no issues,” he said, adding that the last meeting between the two parties was a positive one.
“The cabinet will come after that [the oath-taking by the elected members],” he said. “The procedure is being processed and both the parties are moving in the right direction. There is no deadlock,” Kamal reiterated.
Dr Farooq Sattar said that if the party joined the coalition at the Centre, still it would remain a formidable opposition force in Sindh. Responding to queries he dismissed the accusations of rigging in the elections as propaganda, reiterating MQM's focus on constructive dialogue and collaboration.
Also read: MQM-P delegation set for crucial talks with PML-N
In a meeting with PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif last week, MQM Convener Khalid Maqbool Saddique had vehemently rejected the impression of his party seeking federal ministries from the PML-N. He had 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 had 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 had 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.
(With input from APP)
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