MQM-P convener Khalid Maqbool quits as federal IT minister

KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) convener Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui on Sunday announced he is resigning as Federal Minister for Information Technology.

Speaking at a press conference, he said his being a member of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s cabinet served no useful purpose as there has been no progress towards removal of their reservations concerning the issues confronting the port city.

Siddiqui, however, said his party would not withdraw support for the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

“We are not withdrawing our support,” he assured, adding his holding the portfolio of the federal minister was raising a lot of questions. He said his party intends to fulfill the promise it had made to the PTI.

Also Read: PTI delegation decides to meet MQM-P: sources

The MQM leader regretted their reservations with regard to the situation in the province were not addressed even after 16-17 months.

He maintained it has become difficult to hold a position in the federal cabinet when the people in Sindh continue to suffer. After a detailed discussion on Friday, the MQM-P Coordination Committee reached the conclusion that his holding the minister’s post served no purpose, he spelled out.

Also Read: MQM-P rejects Bilawal’s offer, says party not vying for ministries

Khalid Maqbool, referring to PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s offer to join the Sindh government, said there had been an offer of ministries over the past few days and clarified that his resignation has nothing to do with that.

Earlier, on Dec 30, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto had invited the Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) to join Sindh government.

Addressing media persons after the inauguration of four mega uplift schemes in Karachi, Bilawal had said the PPP will provide MQM equal number of seats and ministries in Sindh as they have in the federal government.