ISLAMABAD, August 3: Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Friday signed a nine-point memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the formation of a new government in the centre.
The two parties reached the agreement following a meeting at Bani Gala residence of PTI chief Imran Khan. The MoU was signed by MQM-P’s Faisal Sabzwari and PTI leader Arif Alvi.
The MoU
– The resolution passed by the National Assembly regarding Karachi census and as decided in the Council of Common Interest should be implemented immediately.
– In line with PTI and MQM manifesto, the local government system in Sindh and Punjab does not conform to the constitutional requirements under section 140 A. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf will support the petition of the MQM(P), which is before the Supreme Court of Pakistan in this regard.
– The Karachi operation shall be reviewed in totality and in consultation with all stakeholders. All parties should have a level playing field.
– All appointments in the government should be based on merit and according to law through an accredited, impartial testing system.
– Octroi was abolished in 1988, the decision made then was that the affected cities would be compensated with a share in proportion to the loss, in lieu of Octroi taxes. That decision should be implemented fully.
– The urban centres of Sindh, including Karachi, have been severely neglected in the past. A direct financial package will be announced immediately that shall be disbursed by the federal government, with special emphasis on water.
– Both parties shall strive to introduce police reforms as implemented by PTI in KP and promised by MQM(P) in its manifesto, so that police is de-politicised and recruited with merit in letter and spirit according to law that envisages local recruitment.
– A university of international level and repute shall be established in Hyderabad.
– It is agreed in line with the statement given by PTI chairman, election audit would take place of any of the constituencies pointed out by MQM(P).
Speaking to media, PTI leader Jehangir Tareen confirmed that they had reached an agreement with the MQM-P.
He said the people of Karachi fully backed them and they would support the MQM-P’s petition in the apex court with regard to local bodies.
The PTI leader said that there were issues pertaining to water, sewerage and transport in Karachi, and promised a special package for the megapolis.
“[We] welcome the MQM in Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s government,” he said.
Taking his turn, MQM-P’s Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said that they came on Imran Khan’s invitation.
“Whatever is agreed between us that is a constitutional requirement and need of the country,” he said, referring to the MoU signed between the two parties.
The MQM-P leader said the PTI had assured them of its cooperation on census issue, whereas they also held talks on delimitation of constituencies.
“Today, both MQM and PTI have a mandate in Karachi,” Siddiqui said, calling for review of Karachi operation and taking it to a logical end.
He further said that a few things needed to be finalised between the two parties, and expressed hope that those would be finalised amicably.
Sources earlier informed that the MQM-P assured PTI of support in the centre after meeting with party chief Imran Khan in Bani Gala.
The MQM-P and PTI leaders are expected to address a press conference shortly regarding the developments discussed in the meeting. – Agencies
