KARACHI (Dunya News/Web Desk) – Removing all possible hurdles, the MQM-P on Tuesday decided to withdraw its candidate Mustafa Kamal from NA-242 and back the junior Sharif in the February 8 elections, sources say, as the two parties have fine-tuned the complex seat adjustment details in an attempt to stage upset in Sindh – the PPP stronghold.
With PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif contesting from the said constituency, the decision was expected after the two sides developed a consensus on the sensitive issue of empowering local governments in Pakistan – the main demand pursued by the MQM-P which has remained the main representative of urban population in Sindh since late 1980s.
However, the PPP has been resisting the suggestion for the fear of losing political leverage in the politics of Sindh – a stance producing a complete split with the MQM-P after years of close liaison.
Earlier, it was reported that the PML-N and likeminded parties in Sindh are giving final shape to seat adjustment modalities, in an attempt to present a united front against the PPP in Sindh and produce favourable results in the much-awaited general elections next month.
According to these sources, the PML-N and the MQM-P will formally announce the joint candidates for four National Assembly seats of Karachi in next two days.
In this connection, the MQM-P agreed to back the PML-N nominees for NA-229 and NA-230 in Malir district as well as NA-239 in Karachi South, which covers the historic Lyari area – once a PPP stronghold that switched its loyalties to the PTI in 2018 while placing Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the party chairman, at third spot.
On the other hand, the MQM will also back the PML-N in Mirpurkhas while also supporting the joint candidates for National Assembly in alliance with the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) – a grouping dominated by the PML-F led by Pir Pagara – and the JUI-F in Sukkur and Nawabshah.
THE OTHER PARTNERS
At the same time, the PML-N and the GDA have completed seat adjustment talks for different constituencies across Sindh. However, last-minute efforts are still under way for some seats as both sides have trying to gain maximum advantage.
Read more: PML-N takes GDA along in Sindh to form four-party alliance against PPP
The process was completed as senior party leader Khawaja Saad Rafique – assigned with the task to look after the Sindh affairs in Sindh – participated in a consultative meeting via video link. He was assisted by Bashir Memon, the PML-N provincial chapter head, and Rana Mashhood, who is responsible for managing Shehbaz Sharif’s campaign in Karachi. Pir Sadruddin Rashdi, Safdar Abbasi and Sardar represented the GDA.
As the two sides agreed to lead a joint fight against the “15-year PPP rule”, Memon said they were aiming at rescue the people in Sindh from corruption, mismanagement and incompetence by forming a strong alliance.
Similarly, Rashdi said they defeat those trying to buy votes after destroying the province for 15 years with the ballot power.