ISLAMABAD: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM) has made its backing for a constitutional amendment conditional on the inclusion of changes to Article A-140. The party wants these changes to ensure greater powers for local governments across the country.
On Saturday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting with an MQM delegation to discuss the proposed constitutional amendments. According to an MQM spokesperson, the party urged the prime minister to empower local governments through a new draft of Article A-140.
Demands for Local Government Empowerment
During the meeting, MQM leaders demanded increased authority for local governments. They argued that strengthening local bodies is essential for effective governance. In fact, the delegation presented a detailed draft amendment outlining their proposal. This amendment seeks to redefine local government powers, granting them more control over administrative and financial matters.
Sources confirmed that the MQM delegation included prominent figures like Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, Aminul Haq, and Farooq Sattar. Meanwhile, the government team featured key officials, including Ishaq Dar, Ahsan Iqbal, Khawaja Saad Rafique, and Rana Sanaullah.
Prime Minister Assigns Review Task to Ministers
In response to MQM’s demands, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed senior ministers to review the proposal thoroughly. Ishaq Dar, Ahsan Iqbal, Ayaz Sadiq, Saad Rafique, and Rana Sanaullah were assigned the task of evaluating the MQM’s draft amendment.
Following the meeting, MQM sources reported that discussions were constructive, with both sides expressing a willingness to continue talks. However, the MQM emphasized that their support for the constitutional amendment hinges on ensuring local government empowerment.
High-Level PML-N Delegation to Visit MQM Headquarters
As a next step, a high-level Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) delegation was led by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar. The delegation will visit MQM’s Bahadurabad headquarters today. Moreover, the meeting is scheduled for Sunday at 2pm, and the PML-N team will discuss the draft amendment with MQM leaders in greater detail.
This upcoming meeting is crucial for finalizing both parties’ positions on the constitutional amendment. Sources suggest that the PML-N team will present their feedback on the MQM’s proposed changes to Article A-140, with the aim of reaching a mutual agreement.
Transitioning Towards Consensus
Although both parties have yet to finalize their stance, there appears to be a willingness to find common ground. The MQM remains firm in its demand for local government reforms, while the PML-N leadership has shown openness to review the draft amendment.
These discussions come at a critical time, as the government pushes for constitutional amendments that require the support of political allies. The MQM’s demand for local government empowerment is seen as a significant move, aimed at decentralizing power and improving governance at the grassroots level.
As talks progress, it is believed that both parties will reach a compromise and PML-N will have MQM’s support to move forward constitutional amendment. The outcome of the discussions at Bahadurabad will likely shape the future of local governance in Pakistan.
The political focus remains on Sunday’s meeting, where both parties will present their final positions.
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