Ahsan Iqbal vows MQM-P's concerns over constitutional amendments will be addresed

Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) leader and Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reform, Prof Ahsan Iqbal, has said that he arrived in Karachi on the Prime Minister's directives, where Muttahida Qaumi Movement -P (MQM-P) was taken into confidence regarding the proposed constitutional amendments.

He assured that any concerns would be addressed.

Speaking at a joint press conference with MQM-P, Ahsan Iqbal remarked that no democratic party can oppose these amendments.

He stressed that parliamentary affairs should not be dictated by judicial rulings, as political decisions by courts can lead to instability in the country.

Ahsan Iqbal criticised the judiciary for its involvement in political matters, stating that the removal of governments through Article 58-2(b) ended with its repeal, but the courts began intervening again. He emphasised that the judiciary should remain separate from political affairs.

He further remarked that Pakistan's development journey was halted when the PML-N government was ousted. He accused the judiciary of overreaching its authority, referencing the disqualification of Nawaz Sharif and the dismissal of Hamza Shehbaz’s government by a few judges.

The federal minister also criticised the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s governance, claiming it pushed the country to the brink of bankruptcy. He appreciated MQM-P’s support over the past 26 months, acknowledging their role in backing the government.

MQM-P leader Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui stressed the importance of working together in the future. He highlighted that their discussions covered constitutional amendments, Article 140-A, missing persons, and independent power producers (IPPs).

Earlier, PML-N and MQM delegations met, where Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar briefed MQM-P on the amendment proposals.

MQM-P emphasised the importance of both constitutional amendments and changes in local government laws, advocating for the devolution of powers to lower levels. The PML-N delegation assured full support for MQM-P’s proposals, with Prime Minister’s backing.

The meeting saw key figures from both parties, including Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Dr Farooq Sattar, Mustafa Kamal, Amin ul Haq, and Khawaja Izhar ul Hassan from MQM-P, and Ahsan Iqbal, Rana Sanaullah, and Azam Nazeer Tarar representing PML-N. Ahsan Iqbal conveyed the Prime Minister’s greetings to Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui.