In an important political development, Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) and allied parties from Balochistan and the federation have pledged their support for Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari in the upcoming presidential election scheduled for March 9.

The decision was reached during a pivotal meeting held at the residence of Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui in Islamabad, where a delegation from the PPP and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) led by Bilawal Bhutto, Khurshid Shah, Naveed Qamar, Saad Rafique, and others engaged with MQM leadership.

Following deliberations, the MQM leadership announced their commitment to vote for Asif Ali Zardari in the presidential election. The PPP chairman, expressing gratitude for MQM’s endorsement, emphasized his dedication to addressing Karachi’s challenges and assured that Asif Zardari would prioritize the city's concerns.

The Bhutto scion, highlighting his longstanding acquaintance with the MQM, expressed optimism about the collaborative efforts between the two parties to alleviate Karachi's issues.

He extended appreciation to the MQM for their support and underscored the importance of collective action to address Karachi's needs, acknowledging the presence of the PML-N in the discussions.

MQM convener Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui warmly received a delegation led by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, expressed full support for Asif Zardari’s presidential candidacy.

Siddiqui affirmed the MQM’s longstanding backing for the PPP co-chairman in the upcoming election, aligning with the decision of the Prime Minister.

Khawaja Saad Rafiq of the PML-N also reiterated their endorsement of Mr Zardari as the joint presidential candidate.

Later, during a dinner hosted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for coalition party members in Islamabad, unanimous support for Asif Ali Zardari in the presidential election was reaffirmed.

Additionally, in Balochistan, the PPP, PML-N, Balochistan Awami Party, and Awami National Party have collectively decided to cast their votes for Asif Ali Zardari.

Provincial President of the PML-N, Jafar Khan Mandukhel, confirmed that all allied party members in the Assembly would rally behind Asif Ali Zardari on March 9, solidifying their commitment to his candidacy.