KARACHI, May 19: Most of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement legislators were conspicuous by their absence from the Sindh Assembly session, which began here on Friday.

The Muttahida, whose majority always ensures regular participation in the house proceedings and makes a difference while sitting with other treasury members, was represented by only three — Shakir Ali, Faisal Sabzwari and a woman member — out of 42 legislators at the Friday session.

The inordinate delay of over two hours and 45 minutes in the start of the house business at 11.45am for want of quorum was attributed to the absence of the MQM legislators.

Though the reason for their absence could not be ascertained, political quarters see it as an expression of their dissent with the chief minister amid the ongoing tussle between him and his MQM ministers over the delay in the approval of the summaries moved by different departments.

It was also learnt that the MQM’s presence was nominal also at the coalition’s parliamentary party meeting, held on Thursday night at the CM’s House to formulate a joint strategy for the Friday session.