- MQM decides to join Sindh govt, jointly contest senate election with PPP
- MQM, PPP agree on 40-60 power sharing formula in all aspects
Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and Pakistan People Party (PPP) have reached an agreement over the formation of a coalition government in Sindh and seat adjustment in the upcoming Senate polls, according to a statement issued on the MQM’s official website.
The accord was the outcome of a three-hour-long meeting between senior PPP leader Rehman Malik and MQM chief Altaf Hussain in London.
Under the seat adjustment formula agreed upon by both parties, MQM and PPP would get four and seven seats in the Senate, respectively.
The parties agreed on a 40-60 power sharing formula in all aspects and the MQM would soon join the treasury benches in the provincial assembly under a written agreement with the PPP. It is also likely that MQM’s Dr. Sagheer Ahmed, Faisal Sabzwari, Abdul Haseeb, Adil Siddiqui, Rauf Siddiqui, Zafar Kamali, Saleem Rajput and Zubair Khan would join the Sindh cabinet.
According to the post-meeting announcement, a committee, comprising two members from each side, would be constituted to pursue the reconciliation process and improve the working relationship between the two parties.
During the meeting it was decided that both the parties would make joint efforts for the development of the province and resolution of issues faced by the people.
Malik, on behalf of PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari, assured Hussain that this time MQM would be provided with its “due share” in all departments under the 40-60 ratio.
Furthermore, a ministerial committee, comprising of members from both parties, would also be constituted for the resolution of issues related to the Sindh government. The announcement further noted that “this time, the agreement will be spelled out in black and white”.
The former interior minister told the MQM chief that upon his arrival in Karachi he would present a detailed report of the meeting to Zardari for approval on the accord.
Malik and Hussain also prayed for the eradication of terrorism from the country so it could tread towards the path of development.
The MQM had left Sindh’s coalition government in October 2014 in response to alleged statements made against their leader Altaf Hussain by the PPP leadership.