MQM-P quits PTI Govt coalition, signs deal with joint opposition

Islamabad: The ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) received another setback as the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan's (MQM-P) has quit the ruling coalition after an agreement with the opposition alliance to vote in favor of the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The announcement was made in a press conference attended by MQM-P leader Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Pakistan Muslim League-N (PMLN) President Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and other leaders who have announced to vote in favor of the motion.

Addressing a press conference, the MQM-P leader announced to support joint opposition for voting on a no-confidence motion against the prime minister in the National Assembly.

“MQM-P has decided to develop a working relationship with the joint opposition,” said Siddique adding that the agreement was signed with joint opposition for the development of Pakistan — and not for personal or party gains.

On this occasion, Shehbaz Sharif thanked Pakistan PPP and MQM-P leaders to overcome their past difference to reach an agreement on "Pakistan's prosperity, Sindh's prosperity, and Karachi's prosperity."

Shehbaz Sharif said that all but two points have been agreed with the MQM-P. "After a prime minister loses majority, the democratic norm is that he should resign", Shehbaz Sharif added.

"Even if he [PM Khan] is a selected prime minister, he should resign. I am hoping against the hope that he creates a new norm in the country.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said Shehbaz Sharif will become the prime minister in a few days.

He also urged PM Khan to hold voting on the no-confidence motion in the National Assembly session scheduled for Thursday.

"Let's vote on it [the motion] tomorrow and get done with it. After this, we can work together towards a prosperous Pakistan," said Bhutto Zardari.

Bhutto Zardari called MQM-P's decision to quit the government alliance "historic".

"The working relationship between the PPP and MQM-P has no link with the no-confidence motion."

He said both parties have to work together for the prosperity of Karachi and Pakistan.