PTI, MQM to hold another round of dialogue on July 30 to resolve issues

Published July 23, 2019
PTI leader Jahangir Khan Tareen and MQM leader Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui addressing a joint press conference after a meeting in Karachi on Tuesday, July 23, 2019. — DawnNewsTV
PTI leader Jahangir Khan Tareen and MQM leader Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui addressing a joint press conference after a meeting in Karachi on Tuesday, July 23, 2019. — DawnNewsTV

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) stalwart Jahangir Khan Tareen on Tuesday called on the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) leadership to sort bilateral differences.

Following a meeting in Karachi, the PTI leader told the media that the two sides have agreed to resolve all their issues through dialogue.

In this regard, he said, the next round of dialogue will be held in Islamabad on July 30. He said that the two sides would take up each and every point of difference between them.

"We have constituted a committee to deal with all allied parties," Tareen said, adding that he also asked MQM's Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui to constitute a committee within the party to coordinate with the PTI.

Talking about the issues being faced by Karachi, he said, "We have spent our first year dealing with the mess left by former governments. Now, we will focus on Karachi."

He further said that the PTI would fulfill all legitimate desires of the MQM regarding the megalopolis. "I have held a two-hour-long meeting with our lawmakers from Karachi and we discussed only Karachi."

Last year, the MQM had won six National Assembly (NA) seats in the July 25 election and inked an agreement with the PTI, promising to extend its support to the latter for the formation of government in the Centre.

In exchange for MQM-P’s support for the federal government, the PTI had promised that a special federal package would be announced for Karachi, with an emphasis on the provision of water for its residents.

Additionally, the PTI had agreed that Sindh police reforms will be implemented, a university will be established in Hyderabad, and constituencies identified by MQM-P would also be audited, according to the contents of the memorandum of understanding.

Later, the MQM leaders started complaining and taking a harsh tone against the PTI until last month, when the former got another ministry amid political turmoil in the NA ahead of the budget session.

Prime Minister Imran Khan, amid a political tug of war between the government and the opposition to gain maximum support over the passage of the federal budget, had decided to give another portfolio to the MQM in a late-night development after a meeting with Sindh Governor Imran Ismail and MQM leaders.

Opinion

Editorial

Pahalgam attack
Updated 24 Apr, 2025

Pahalgam attack

Pakistan must proceed with caution and prepare a calm yet firm response to India’s allegations, and threats.
New IMF projection
24 Apr, 2025

New IMF projection

THE downgrading of the IMF’s growth forecast for Pakistan by 40bps to 2.6pc is perturbing, especially considering...
Stranded goods
24 Apr, 2025

Stranded goods

AS controversy over the new canals continues to rage, traders across the country have begun raising the alarm over...
Centre’s shadow
Updated 23 Apr, 2025

Centre’s shadow

The Centre should stop encroaching on provincial jurisdictions in its misplaced eagerness to control minerals.
Himalayan crisis
23 Apr, 2025

Himalayan crisis

THE Hindu Kush-Himalayan region, known as Asia’s water tower, is in trouble. The towering ranges have registered a...
Seeker of peace
23 Apr, 2025

Seeker of peace

POPE Francis, who prayed for Palestine, died on Easter Monday. The first Argentine pontiff’s diverse and...