KARACHI: In yet another rare show of unity, Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan on Tuesday vowed to support the PPP-led local government set-up in Karachi after Mayor Murtaza Wahab had sought support from the party to take up the issue of the “Karachi package” with the prime minister and pursue fast-track infrastructure development of the metropolis.

The agreement between the political opponents in Sindh emerged after a meeting of the MQM-P delegation comprising MNA Syed Aminul Haque, Abdul Wasim and Sindh Assembly Opposition Leader Ali Khurshidi with Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab.

The MQM-P team also brought into discussion the matter of dues of retired Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) workers, who have been running from pillar to post to get their dues for years.

MQM-P delegation calls on Mayor Murtaza Wahab

“We believe that the PPP is in full control of affairs from the Sindh government to the city administration,” said Mr Haq of the MQM-P while talking to reporters after the meeting.

“There should be no issue of any hurdle for the government which belongs to the same party. The mayor has assured us that he will take up the matter and resolve this issue. We have also extended our support to the mayor for every move that benefits Karachi and its people. We support him and his government for all decisions taken on merit.”

Earlier, Mayor Wahab said the Sindh government would be approached for the payment of retired officers and employees’ dues and it was expected that this issue would be resolved on a priority basis.

He also referred to his recent moves to “ease” traffic congestion in the city and asked all parties to side with the city administration on the issues of common benefit.

He stressed the need for using Lyari Expressway for heavy traffic, saying it would help address traffic problems in the city.

“In this regard, I have written a letter to the prime minister and I hope he will respond positively,” he said.

“Similarly, we all know that the Green Bus project on M.A. Jinnah Road is stuck up creating so many problems for daily life. I suggest the MQM to play its role in resolving this issue. It should help and support us getting the Karachi package from the prime minister so that the development projects of Karachi could be completed on time.”

Published in Dawn, May 22nd, 2024