Islamabad: A delegation of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif today amid ongoing discussions over the federal budget, with reports suggesting that the party will present key political and administrative demands in exchange for its support.
The meeting is being viewed as politically significant because MQM-P remains an important ally of the federal government and its parliamentary support carries weight in both the National Assembly and the Senate.
High-Level MQM Delegation to Meet Prime Minister
According to party sources, the MQM-P delegation is expected to include:
- MQM-P Chairman Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui
- Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal
- Senior leader Farooq Sattar
- Senior leader Ameen-ul-Haque
The meeting comes shortly after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif returned to Pakistan from Switzerland and is expected to focus on political cooperation, budget support, and issues relating to urban Sindh.
Conditions for Supporting the Budget
Sources familiar with the discussions say MQM-P intends to present a set of conditions before formally extending support to the government’s budget proposals.
According to a senior MQM-P leader, the party has decided to seek clear commitments on three major issues:
1. Karachi Development Package
MQM-P is expected to demand a comprehensive development package for Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city and economic hub.
Party leaders have repeatedly argued that Karachi contributes a significant share of the national economy and therefore deserves greater investment in infrastructure, transportation, water supply, sewerage systems, and municipal services.
The proposed package is expected to include funding commitments and a timeline for implementation.
2. Restoration of the Governorship
Another key demand reportedly concerns the restoration of the governorship to MQM-P.
Sources indicate that party leadership considers the governor’s office an important constitutional and political position that reflects MQM-P’s role within the governing coalition.
According to reports, MQM-P Chairman Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui has conveyed that the party views the issue as a matter of political importance and wants clarity regarding the future of the position.
3. Amendment to Article 140-A
The party is also expected to seek a clear roadmap for amendments related to Article 140-A of the Constitution, which deals with local government systems.
MQM-P has long advocated stronger local governments and greater administrative and financial authority for elected municipal institutions.
Party leaders argue that empowering local governments is essential for addressing urban governance challenges, particularly in Karachi and other major cities.
Demand for a Clear Timeline
According to party sources, MQM-P is not merely seeking verbal assurances but wants a clear and meaningful timetable for progress on these issues.
The party leadership reportedly believes that commitments should be accompanied by practical implementation plans and defined deadlines.
Officials familiar with the discussions say MQM-P would be willing to support the government if it receives firm guarantees regarding these demands.
Earlier Meeting with Law Minister
Before today’s expected meeting with the Prime Minister, an MQM-P delegation led by Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui reportedly met Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar.
Sources say MQM-P leaders used that meeting to communicate their concerns and expectations regarding political arrangements and constitutional matters.
According to reports, Siddiqui informed the law minister that if the constitutional position sought by the party is not restored, then MQM-P would have little interest in holding ministerial offices alone.
Sources quoted the law minister as saying that such matters ultimately fall within the authority of the Prime Minister and would need to be addressed at that level.
MQM-P’s Parliamentary Importance
MQM-P currently holds:
- 22 seats in the National Assembly
- 3 seats in the Senate
These numbers make the party an important coalition partner for the federal government.
Political analysts note that while the government may still command support from other coalition allies, maintaining strong relations with MQM-P remains strategically important for political stability and legislative cooperation.
Meeting with Party Lawmakers Also Planned
Party leadership is also scheduled to meet MQM-P lawmakers in Islamabad today.
The purpose of the meeting is reportedly to brief members of the National Assembly on ongoing negotiations and ensure consensus within the party regarding its strategy on the federal budget and coalition matters.
Sources say party leaders want all elected representatives to be fully informed before any final decision is announced.
Budget Support Still Likely
Despite the ongoing negotiations, political observers believe it is unlikely that MQM-P would completely withdraw support from the government over immediate non-fulfillment of its demands.
As a key coalition partner, the party is expected to continue engaging with the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in search of mutually acceptable arrangements.
Analysts suggest that if the government provides credible assurances and a practical roadmap regarding Karachi development, the governorship issue, and local government reforms, an agreement is likely to be reached.
Crucial Political Discussions Ahead
The meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the MQM-P leadership is expected to play an important role in shaping the party’s position on the federal budget.
With negotiations focusing on Karachi’s development, constitutional reforms, and political representation, both sides appear eager to find common ground.
The outcome of the discussions could not only influence the budget vote but also affect the broader dynamics of the federal coalition in the months ahead.
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