KARACHI: The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) rejected speculations of “seat adjustments” with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) after the recent agreement for an electoral alliance in Sindh.
PML-N’s Khawaja Saad Rafique, accompanied by former National Assembly speaker Ayaz Sadiq and other leaders, visited the MQM-P’s Bahadurabad office in Karachi, emphasizing that no discussions had taken place regarding seat adjustments.
Last week, both parties had jointly announced their participation in the upcoming general elections scheduled for February 8 next year.
The electoral dynamics in Sindh have intensified, with the PML-N, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) forming new alliances to bolster their positions. Rafique clarified that the PML-N is actively pursuing a political alliance in Sindh and has engaged with the JUI-F and Pir Sahab Pagara of the Pakistan Muslim League-Functional (PML-F).
Regarding the party’s manifesto, Rafique highlighted a focus on the country’s judicial system, making it a top priority. Addressing Karachi’s local government issues, he emphasized the need for efficient and people-centric reforms in the local government system.
MQM-P Convener Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui stressed the importance of political parties respecting each other’s mandates.
Siddiqui called for constitutional protection for local bodies and advocated for a caretaker setup once the local bodies’ tenure expires.
During a press conference at the Karachi Press Club, Rafique reiterated the PML-N’s concentration on Sindh for the upcoming polls.
He mentioned the pre-established agreement with JUI-F and MQM-P for contesting the elections together, expressing hope for positive post-election dialogue without maligning individuals.
Ayaz Sadiq announced that party leader Nawaz Sharif would visit Balochistan on November 14 (Tuesday) as part of the party’s election preparations.
(Islamabad51_Newsdesk)
