KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Chief Altaf Hussain has said that the party can abstain from the upcoming elections of Senate chairman and Deputy chairman in case the PPP and PML-N fail to ensure the fulfillment the MQM's demands.

In a statement issued on the MQM's official website Tuesday, Altaf Husain says that he has empowered the party's Rabita Committee to take the decision in this regard.

Read: PML-N, PPP offer Senate post to allies

Following the Senate elections held on Mar 5 and marred by rigging allegations, the ruling Pakistan Musim League - Nawaz (PML-N) and main opposition Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) got almost equal representation in the Upper House of Parliament over the next three years.

Also read: Senate election and its set of controversies

Despite winning the most seats, the Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) will continue to remain a minority government in the Senate with 26 senators as the PPP has maintained its position as the single largest party with 27 senators.

Also read: PML-N seeks Q’s support for top Senate posts

This left the race for the coveted slots of chairman and deputy chairman wide open giving smaller parties like the MQM a pivotal role in the process.

Both — PML-N and PPP — have boosted their efforts and established smaller parties in order to gain their support for the coveted offices of Senate chairman and deputy chairman.