Two members of the Sindh provincial assembly belonging to the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) on Tuesday took oath as cabinet ministers after the party decided to join the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP)-led government in Sindh.
Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan administered the oath to Rauf Siddiqui and Dr Saghir at a ceremony at Governor’s House. Siddiqui has been assigned the Industry and Commerce portfolio whereas Saghir has taken the Ministry of Health portfolio.
Rumours had been circulating for some time about the possible alliance of the two parties.
When contacted on Monday, leaders of both parties declined to comment on the expected oath-taking ceremony. However, Abdul Qadir Patel of the PPP had said he was aware of the development and showed optimism on the likelihood of MQM joining the Sindh government.
Last month’s meeting between former president Asif Ali Zardari and Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan and some MQM leaders had triggered speculation of the possible MQM-PPP alliance in Sindh.
Later, a statement of Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon in which he had hinted that the PPP was ready to embrace the MQM strengthened the rumours that both parties were making headway in their talks.