ZULFIQAR AHMAD
ISLAMABAD: Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Friday signed a nine-point memorandum of understanding (MoU) for formation of a new government in the Center.
The two parties reached the agreement following a meeting at Bani Gala residence of PTI Chairman Imran Khan. The MoU was signed by MQM-P’s Faisal Sabzwari and PTI leader Arif Alvi.
The 9-point included immediate implementation on a resolution passed by the previous National Assembly regarding Karachi census and as decided by the Council of Common Interests (CCI).
In line with PTI and MQM manifestoes, the local government system in Sindh and Punjab does not conform to the constitutional requirements under section 140 A, and according to MoU, PTI will support the petition of MQM-P, which is currently pending before the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
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 and impartial testing system.
The MQM-P said that Octroi was abolished in 1988, and 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,” said the MoU.
The urban centers of Sindh, including Karachi, have been severely neglected in the past, for which the MQM-P demanded a direct financial package immediately that will 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 department is de-politicized and recruitments are made on merit in accordance with the 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 the PTI chairman that election audit would take place of any of the constituencies pointed out by MQM-P.
Earlier in the day, PTI Central Information Secretary Fawad Chaudhry claimed that so far nine independent MNAs-elect have joined PTI.
One independent MNA-elect from NA-181, who had defeated PTI candidate Ghulam Mustafa Khar, joined the bandwagon of Imran Khan after having a meeting with PTI stalwart Jahangir Khan Tareen.
Fawad Chaudhry said that a total of nine independent candidates elected to the National Assembly have joined PTI so far.
A total of 13 independents won seats in National Assembly during the general election on July 25.
The number of party MNAs-elect is, however, set to rise as two more independent MNAs-elect are in talks to join the Imran Khan-led party, Chaudhry said.
Meanwhile, Japanese Ambassador Takashi Kurai called on prime minister-designate Imran Khan at his Banigala residence.
A statement issued here by PTI stated that the ambassador called on Imran to felicitate and congratulate him on his victory in the general election.
