ISLAMABAD: A Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM) delegation called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday to express concerns about the lack of progress on political and development promises made by the government, and reportedly demanded more federal ministries.
The MQM delegation, which is a major coalition partner, led by its chief Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui complained to the premier that their demands had not been fulfilled.
A source in the Prime Minister’s Office told Dawn that the MQM sought a larger share in the federal cabinet as well as assurances that the governorship of Sindh would remain with the party. At present, Kamran Tessori of the MQM is the Sindh governor.
The PM, however, told MQM head Siddiqui, who is also the education minister, he would have a “one-on-one” meeting with the MQM chief on both issues, the source added.
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The MQM-P delegation included Dr Farooq Sattar, Mustafa Kamal, Aminul Haque, Javed Hanif and Abdul Hafiz.
Mr Haque said the meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere and attended by senior cabinet members, including Ishaq Dar and Rana Sanaullah.
“We have also asked the prime minister not to levy further taxes on the working class in the forthcoming federal budget,” said Mr Haque.
The party also demanded the completion of the crucial K-IV water supply project in Karachi, which was being delayed “due to slackness of Sindh government”, he said, adding that the premier assured them about the Karachi and Hyderabad urban development projects. The delegation also urged the PM for early completion of the Red Line and Green Line transport projects in Karachi.
Besides, the MQM-P also presented budget proposals to the premier, which were “appreciated” by PM Shehbaz. The PM said the MQM-P was an important ally of the government and it would work together with its allies to address the economic challenges.