KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) is expected to part ways with federal government following its serious reservations. Sources said that MQM-P’s Rabita Committee continued consultations to leave federal government. MQM-P top leaders summoned resignations of Members of National Assembly (MNAs), sources added.

During session, majority of Rabita Committee members favoured parting ways with federal government.

MQM-P convener Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui is likely to make an important announcement tonight.

MQM-P expressed serious reservations regarding delimitations and voters lists ahead of second phase of Local Government (LG) polls in Sindh including Karachi and Hyderabad Divisions. After MQM-P’s demand, Sindh government announced to postpone Karachi and Hyderabad LG polls, however, Election Commission of Pakistan rejected the provincial government’s notification to postpone polls and ruled that Local Body elections will be held as per schedule on January 15.

Rejecting Sindh government notification and request, ECP has directed Interior Ministry to ensure deployment of Rangers and Army on highly sensitive polling stations in Karachi and Hyderabad.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif assured Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan that party’s grievances would be redressed by tonight, according to well-placed sources.

Development came during telephonic conversation between PM Shehbaz and MQM-P Convener Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui after party threatened to quit alliance if its concerns were not addressed.

MQM-P, an ally of Pakistan Democratic Movement had two days back called on Prime Minister to take clear stand if he had any respect for people of urban Sindh or party would decide about its future in ruling alliance.

Meanwhile, sources privy to matter said that Pakistan Peoples’ Party co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari also made telephone call to Siddiqui. Former President extended dialogue offer and assured party that PPP would resolve its issues, sources added. Meanwhile, PDM head and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman also urged Siddiqui not to lose patience during telephone call.

Later, during an informal interaction with journalists at MQM-P’s Bahadurabad office, Siddiqui confirmed that he held “Positive discussion” with PPP’s Zardari.In bid to build pressure on incumbent government, MQM-P leader said that they would hold another meeting after two hours if their demands are not met, but noted “Asif Zardari fulfils his promises”.

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 14 2023

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