Power-Sharing
KARACHI: The Rabta Committee of Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) has firmly denied engaging in any power-sharing negotiations and has suggested that the party may choose to sit on the opposition benches if its demands are not met, according to sources on Sunday.
During a meeting of MQM-P’s Rabta Committee, discussions were held regarding negotiations with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) regarding the formation of the government at the national level.
The committee deliberated on whether the party should join the government or take a position on the opposition benches. Sources claim that the Rabta Committee recommended joining the opposition if MQM-P’s ‘principled stand’ is not accepted.
One of the key demands from MQM was the continuation of Kamran Tessori as the governor of Sindh as part of the proposed power-sharing arrangement. The committee was also briefed about the constitutional amendments that the party had proposed for the formation of the government. The Rabta Committee emphasized the need to resolve matters with the PML-N before the swearing-in ceremony of the National Assembly.
In a meeting two days earlier, MQM-P and PML-N “reaffirmed” their commitment to prioritizing the interests of the country over political expediency. During the meeting with PML-N President and Prime Minister-designate Shehbaz Sharif, discussions centered on the current state of affairs in the country and potential paths for political collaboration.
The MQM-P delegation praised Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership during his 16-month term in the Prime Minister’s office and expressed hope that under his stewardship, Pakistan and its citizens would overcome their challenges.
Earlier in February, MQM-P had demanded ’empowered’ local governments in Sindh to join the coalition government at the national level led by the PML-N. The party sought the PML-N’s support for its proposed three constitutional amendments aimed at ’empowering’ local governments to join the coalition government.
