MQM wants four portfolios in the federal cabinet

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A day after the PML-N and the PPP evolved a consensus on a power-sharing deal to run the country for the next five years, a delegation of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) called on PML-N representatives and demanded three to four ministries in the federal cabinet.

Sources said the MQM wanted the slot of the deputy speaker in the National Assembly, but the PML-N had already given it to the PPP. Now, the MQM is insisting on four portfolios in the federal cabinet since the party cannot have its deputy speaker.

In addition to its share in the cabinet, the MQM demanded legislation to empower the local government bodies, a demand long held by the Karachi-based party for devolution of powers.

MQM Punjab leader Muhammad Zahid told Dawn that the PML-N agreed to retain incumbent Kamran Tessori as the Sindh governor. “It has been agreed that Mr Tessori will remain the governor,” Zahid said.

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