Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Friday signed a memorandum of understanding for the formation of a new government in the centre.
The two parties reached the agreement following a meeting at Bani Gala residence of PTI chief Imran Khan.
The agreement was signed by MQM-P’s Faisal Sabzwari and PTI leader Arif Alvi. It said that recommendations of Council of Common Interest (CCI) on Karachi population census would be implemented.
The PTI will favour a petition filed in the Supreme Court with regard to local bodies system in Sindh, the MoU read.
The agreement also urged for review of Karachi operation and consultation with all the stake-holders, besides meritorious appointments on all posts.
Speaking to media, PTI leader Jehangir Tareen confirmed that they had reached an agreement with the MQM-P.
He said the people of Karachi fully backed them and they would support the MQM-P’s petition in the apex court with regard to local bodies.
The PTI leader said that there were issues pertaining to water, sewerage and transport in Karachi, and promised a special package for the megapolis.
“[We] welcome the MQM in Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s government,” he said.
Taking his turn, MQM-P’s Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said that they came on Imran Khan’s invitation.
“Whatever is agreed between us that is a constitutional requirement and need of the country,” he said, referring to the MoU signed between the two parties.
“We will move forward together with the PTI.”
The MQM-P leader said the PTI had assured them of its cooperation on census issue, whereas they also held talks on delimitation of constituencies.
“Today, both MQM and PTI have a mandate in Karachi,” Siddiqui said, calling for review of Karachi operation and taking it to a logical end.
He further said that a few things needed to be finalised between the two parties, and expressed hope that those would be finalised amicably.
Sources earlier informed that the MQM-P assured PTI of support in the centre after meeting with party chief Imran Khan in Bani Gala.
The MQM-P and PTI leaders are expected to address a press conference shortly regarding the developments discussed in the meeting.
The delegation of the MQM-P met Imran Khan today (Friday) holding successful talks with party leader Jahangir Khan Tareen.
Accompanied by PTI leader Imran Ismail, the delegation had left Karachi for Islamabad earlier today to hold talks with PTI leaders about forming a government at the centre.
Party convener Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, who is leading the MQM-P delegation, presented his party’s demands to Tareen in exchange for joining the treasury benches with PTI, sources informed Geo News.
After successful conclusion of the first round of talks with PTI leaders Arif Alvi and Tareen, the delegation is now holding an important meeting with Imran at his residence in Bani Gala.
The MQM-P team includes Amir Khan, Faisal Subzwari, Waseem Akhtar, and Kunwar Naveed Jamil while the PTI’s side include Imran, Tareen and Shah Mehmood Qureshi.
MQM-P had earlier decided to help PTI form the federal government.
Siddiqui while speaking on Geo News programme ‘Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Saath’, confirmed his party’s leaning after the results of the General Election 2018.
“The Pakistan Peoples’ Party does not need anyone in Sindh. The MQM-P will sit alongside the PTI on government benches,” he had said. “We respect everyone’s mandate and want everyone to respect ours.
He said that after a ‘series of experiences’ it was unlikely to join the PPP.
The MQM-P clinched 16 seats in the Sindh Assembly in the July 25 general election, and has six seats in the National Assembly. The PTI had invited the party to join it in the centre.
