PM Imran discusses political situation with MQM delegation

ISLAMABAD: A delegation of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) called on Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad today and the two sides discussed political situation including the upcoming presidential elections.

They also discussed problems faced by Sindh province especially the people in Karachi and Hyderabad.

The prime minister assured that the federal government will extend every possible cooperation for resolution of problems faced by the people of Karachi and Hyderabad.

The MQM delegation included Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Dr Farogh Naseem, Aminul Haq, Kanwar Naveed, Nasreen Jalil and Mayor Karachi Wasim Akhtar.

On August 3, MQM had struck a deal with the PTI before becoming the part of federal government.

PTI leader Jehangir Tareen had made the announcement after meeting a MQM delegation at Imran Khan’s residence in Bani Gala. A written Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between the two sides.

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 had also held a meeting with chairman Imran Khan.

The Nine-point MoU

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).