MQM strikes deal with PTI to form next government

ISLAMABAD: The Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) on Friday reached a deal with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and is set to be a part of the federal government.

PTI leader Jehangir Tareen made the announcement after meeting a MQM delegation at Imran Khan’s residence in Bani Gala, saying a written Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been reached.

Tareen also said that he has secured the support of 25 out of 28 independent candidates, while the party is also holding dialogue with erstwhile FATA representatives.

He said that meaningful dialogue was held with the MQM in Karachi after which consultations were held within by the MQM’s coordination committee and PTI’s core committee. The MQM also held a meeting with chairman Imran Khan.

Tareen said they will announce a special financial package for Karachi. He said that people of Karachi have overwhelmingly voted for them, and they would solve water, sewerage and transport issues in the city.

He said that the financial package will be implemented immediately, adding that they would spend the maximum amount on education and set up more universities across the country.

PTI, MQM have agreed to enhance democracy

MQM convener Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said they came on the invitation of Imran Khan, and the deal with the PTI was a responsibility and part of efforts to strengthen democracy.

He said that Karachi still raised the largest amount of revenue, and they will struggle to reform the local bodies government and financial independence is necessary for a strong system.

He said the PTI has assured the population census will be held in Karachi and several urban areas of Sindh. The PTI will also address reservations over the election process and allegations of misconduct.

Furthermore, he said that the PTI assured to reassess the Karachi operation which has been ongoing since several years and reach a conclusion. A few other outstanding issues will be discussed later on.

He said the MQM respects the mandate of political parties, and the dialogue with the PTI was held in a conducive environment, and they have received assurances that their reservations will be addressed.

Nine-point MoU signed

1. The resolution passed by the National Assembly regarding Karachi census and as decided in the Council of Common Interest should be implemented immediately.

2. In line with PTI and MQM manifesto, the local government system in Sindh and Punjab does not conform to the constitutional requirements under section 140 A. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf will support the petition of the MQM(P), which is before the Supreme Court of Pakistan in this regard.

3. The Karachi operation shall be reviewed in totality and in consultation with all stakeholders. All parties should have a level playing field.

4. All appointments in the government should be based on merit and according to law through an accredited, impartial testing system.

5. Octroi was abolished in 1988, the decision made then was that the affected cities would be compensated with a share in proportion to the loss, in lieu of Octroi taxes. That decision should be implemented fully.

6. The urban centres of Sindh, including Karachi, have been severely neglected in the past. A direct financial package will be announced immediately that shall be disbursed by the federal government, with special emphasis on water.

7. Both parties shall strive to introduce police reforms as implemented by PTI in KP and promised by MQM(P) in its manifesto, so that police is de-politicised and recruited with merit in letter and spirit according to law that envisages local recruitment.

8. A university of international level and repute shall be established in Hyderabad.

9. It is agreed in line with the statement given by PTI chairman, election audit would take place of any of the constituencies pointed out by MQM(P).