Winds of change: MQM warms up to ruling PML-N
Muttahida’s lawmakers expected to join federal cabinet in the coming days
KARACHI:
Weeks after walking out on its alliance with Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has developed a strong working relationship with the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and could join the federal cabinet in the coming days.
According to sources, the two parties have almost ironed out all issues between them. And by next early month, the MQM could become part of the federal government, the sources added.
Leaders of the MQM, however, did not confirm whether their party would ultimately become part of the federal government. They admitted that their party had developed better relations with the PML-N, as the ruling party had agreed to release development funds for projects in Karachi.
Last month, when MQM leader Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui met Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, he raised the issue of unfinished developmental projects in Karachi including the Lyari Expressway, and demanded that the premier take necessary action.
One party leader said that the MQM wants to work with the PML-N on a long term basis. “MQM may or may not be part of the federal government. Even if we don’t become part of the federal government, we will continue to work with the PML-N.”
Saying no to the Sindh govt
The MQM has dismissed speculation that it would be joining the PPP-led government in Sindh, saying that it could not even think of getting back with them.
This has not stopped the PPP from trying to bring the two parties on the same page again. Both PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari and his party colleague Rehman Malik have been holding talks with Sindh Governor Ishratul Ebad in a bid to win over the MQM. Yet the MQM says it will not consider becoming a part of the Sindh government again.
“The last time the MQM joined the Sindh government was based on a decision taken by the Rabita Committee and not by the MQM chief Altaf Hussain, who was displeased over it. This time if the Rabita Committee takes this decision, there will be a lot of resistance and opposition from within the party.”
The MQM leader said that since the party has left the provincial government, it has gotten a lot of public support and its disgruntled voters and supporters are returning to the party.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 26th, 2014.
Weeks after walking out on its alliance with Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has developed a strong working relationship with the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and could join the federal cabinet in the coming days.
According to sources, the two parties have almost ironed out all issues between them. And by next early month, the MQM could become part of the federal government, the sources added.
Leaders of the MQM, however, did not confirm whether their party would ultimately become part of the federal government. They admitted that their party had developed better relations with the PML-N, as the ruling party had agreed to release development funds for projects in Karachi.
Last month, when MQM leader Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui met Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, he raised the issue of unfinished developmental projects in Karachi including the Lyari Expressway, and demanded that the premier take necessary action.
One party leader said that the MQM wants to work with the PML-N on a long term basis. “MQM may or may not be part of the federal government. Even if we don’t become part of the federal government, we will continue to work with the PML-N.”
Saying no to the Sindh govt
The MQM has dismissed speculation that it would be joining the PPP-led government in Sindh, saying that it could not even think of getting back with them.
This has not stopped the PPP from trying to bring the two parties on the same page again. Both PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari and his party colleague Rehman Malik have been holding talks with Sindh Governor Ishratul Ebad in a bid to win over the MQM. Yet the MQM says it will not consider becoming a part of the Sindh government again.
“The last time the MQM joined the Sindh government was based on a decision taken by the Rabita Committee and not by the MQM chief Altaf Hussain, who was displeased over it. This time if the Rabita Committee takes this decision, there will be a lot of resistance and opposition from within the party.”
The MQM leader said that since the party has left the provincial government, it has gotten a lot of public support and its disgruntled voters and supporters are returning to the party.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 26th, 2014.