MQM, PTI reach consensus on electing Mehmood Qureshi as opposition leader in NA

KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Tuesday reached a consensus on electing Vice Chairman PTI Shah Mehmood Qureshi as opposition leader in the National Assembly, ARY News reported.

The consensus was reached after a PTI delegation visited the MQM headquarters in Karachi and discussed political affairs of Pakistan, said sources. They also reportedly deliberated on making strong opposition against the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in Sindh.

Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Syed Khursheed Shah had already indicated that PTI and MQM-P were joining forces to oust him.

He said efforts were underway to remove him as the leader of the opposition in the lower house. “Both the opposition parties have united to oust me,” he said, adding that it was their democratic right to remove him, but they would be setting a new precedent in the country by doing so.

Addressing a joint press conference with Shah Mehmood Qureshi, MQM-P chief Farooq Sattar announced to fortify relations with PTI as well in the future.

“Talks between PTI and MQM-P have formally been initiated today as we have decided to beef up ties with PTI,” he said.

Farooq Sattar gave credit of arranging the meeting to parliamentarians of his party.

He said they always talked to PTI on political issues. PTI and MQM had the same point of view on several issues, which was welcoming, he said.

“Mandate is divided in Pakistan, therefore, no political party can single-handedly rescue masses from difficulties,” he said.

The MQM-P chief lashed out at the PPP saying that it did not make any big development. The PPP deprived cities of basic rights and was making a friendly opposition on corruption, he said.

He also said PPP’s corruption was being given protection in the province.

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Shah Mehmood Qureshi on this occasion said God knows he did not come for any personal agenda, but nothing could be achieved lonely, therefore, we should collaborate on political issues.

He said PTI and MQM were on the same page during the meeting. The PTI leader also said raising the slogan of “Pakistan Zindabad” after August 22 was not a petty move.