MQM-P and PML-N Deliberate on Modalities of Cooperation

Cooperation

LAHORE: A delegation from the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), led by Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, met with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Nawaz Sharif on Sunday to discuss the modalities of cooperation in the future federal setup.

According to PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb, both parties agreed in principle to work together in the larger national interest. While the agreement included basic points, details were not disclosed.

The discussions between MQM-P and PML-N involved proposals for the likely federal setup and updates on government formation in the Centre. Atta Tarar, responding to questions about the meeting, emphasized that the focus was on political advancement for the country’s benefit.

There were media reports suggesting that MQM-P had requested the Sindh governor position, federal ministries, and involvement in federal development projects in Karachi. However, MQM-P deputy convener Dr. Farooq Sattar refuted these claims, stating that they did not discuss the distribution of ministries. Instead, the discussions centered on joint strategies to address public issues.

Dr. Sattar described the meeting as “very serious and positive,” highlighting discussions on strategies to navigate the country out of political and economic crises. He mentioned the PML-N’s agreement on the need for a constitutional amendment to establish an effective local body system, seen as crucial for the country’s progress.

The PML-N delegation included Shehbaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz, Ishaq Dar, Ahsan Iqbal, and Rana Sanaullah. Representing MQM-P were Sindh governor Kamran Tessori, Khalid Maqbool, Farooq Sattar, and Mustafa Kamal.