The ruling Pakistan Peoples Party, it seems, cannot to set a foot straight these days.
A couple of weeks ago, it lost coalition partners in Sindh in the form of the Awami National Party (ANP), Pakistan Muslim League-Functional (PML-F) and the National Peoples Party (NPP) because of allegedly given way to demands made by the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM).
Ironically, on Monday, the MQM, a major and key ally of the PPP – particularly in the National Assembly, - gave the ruling party a three-day ultimatum to meet its demands. Else, the MQM’s Coordination Committee said in a statement on Monday, the party would walk out of its alliance with the PPP.
The MQM statement said the PPP had not accepted its ‘legitimate demands.’ which it termed as crucial for the stability and progress of the country.
The party said its restraint had been considered a weakness by the government and it appears unlikely that the MQM could work with the PPP any longer. As a member of the opposition, it would continue to support democratic stability and any positive steps made by the government.
The MQM’s Coordination Committee issued an appeal to supporters asking them to be prepared to face difficult times ahead and render sacrifices like they had in the past.
According to the MQM, the decision was made in a joint meeting of the party’s Coordination Committee in Karachi and London and had been sent for the party chief’s approval.
The strong-worded statement by the MQM comes out of the blue. Although it is unclear what prompted the MQM’s announcement, political observers say a number of factors could be at play including a delay in the introduction of the local government bill in the Sindh Assembly.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 25th, 2012.
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