ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - The Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) has urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to empower local governments under the proposed 27th constitutional amendment, as promised earlier.
A seven-member MQM-P delegation, led by convener Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, met with Prime Minister Sharif at the Prime Minister’s House to discuss the matter.
The delegation included Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori, Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal, and National Assembly members Dr. Farooq Sattar, Javed Hanif Khan, Syed Aminul Haq, and Khawaja Izharul Hassan.
According to sources, the MQM-P leaders requested that their local government draft be incorporated into the 27th amendment, aiming to devolve more powers to municipal administrations. The Prime Minister reportedly assured the delegation that their proposals would be considered and integrated into the amendment.
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MQM-P sources indicated that securing the support of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) for their local government draft was a top priority during the meeting. They said the PML-N had pledged full support for the MQM-P proposals within the constitutional amendment.
Following the meeting, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori stated that Prime Minister Sharif had fully consulted MQM-P leaders regarding the draft and the broader 27th amendment. He emphasized that discussions included the details of the local government provisions, reflecting a collaborative approach among coalition partners.
The government alliance is reportedly preparing to present the 27th constitutional amendment in Parliament. Sources suggest that the amendment, which includes MQM-P’s local government proposals, is expected to be approved by both houses later this month.
PPP delegation’s meeting with PM
Later, a PPP delegation also met the prime minister for detailed discussions on the proposed amendment.
Both sides reviewed the clauses and positions before the PPP delegation departed for Karachi from Noor Khan Airbase.
The PPP Central Executive Committee will meet today at 7 p.m. in Karachi, attended by Irfan Qadir, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Naveed Qamar, and Sherry Rehman.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by Ishaq Dar, Azam Nazeer Tarar, Ahsan Iqbal, Rana Sanaullah, and Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan.
BAP delegation’s meeting
Separately, a delegation of the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), led by Federal Minister Khalid Magsi, will meet the Prime Minister at 3:30 p.m. Members include Senator Muhammad Abdul Qadir, Manzoor Kakar, Samina Mumtaz, and Dinesh Kumar.
According to sources, the BAP delegation will demand an increase in Balochistan’s provincial and national assembly seats.