Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) have joined hands and formed an electoral alliance to contest the general elections in 2024 together.

A delegation from the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) reached Lahore from Karachi and held discussions with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif. The top huddle was attended by bigwigs from both parties, and resulted in a joint declaration aimed at addressing the pressing issues facing Pakistan.

Key highlights from joint declaration

The PML-N and MQM have pledged to adopt a shared strategy to advance the development of Pakistan, demonstrating their mutual commitment to the nation's progress.

Both parties have agreed to formulate a comprehensive action plan to navigate the country out of its current challenges, as stated in the joint statement.

The parties have also announced the formation of a six-member committee that will play a pivotal role in preparing a comprehensive charter to address the issues affecting urban areas in Sindh.

The committee will present its final proposals to the leadership of both parties within 10 days.

پاکستان مسلم لیگ (ن) اور ایم کیوایم کا مشترکہ اعلامیہ

لاہور:7 نومبر

متحدہ قومی موومنٹ پاکستان (ایم۔ کیو۔ایم) کے وفد نے ڈاکٹر خالد مقبول صدیقی کی قیادت میں ، جس میں ڈاکٹر فاروق ستار اور مصطفی کمال شامل تھے، نے پاکستان مسلم لیگ (ن) کے قائد محمد نوازشریف اور صدر پاکستان مسلم لیگ… pic.twitter.com/38wTv7WaeC
— PMLN (@pmln_org) November 7, 2023

MQM’s Mustafa Kamal expressed his gratitude for the warm reception by the PML-N leadership, emphasized the current challenges faced by Pakistan and stressed the need for a strong leadership to navigate the country out of its difficult situation. Kamal commended Nawaz Sharif's experience and leadership and called for decisive actions to address the nation's problems.

He also highlighted the importance of devising an action plan to alleviate the challenges facing the people. He stated that Karachi, with its economic potential, could play a crucial role in addressing Pakistan's economic troubles.

Bashir Memon—who has been notified as the PMLN Sindh chapter President—also expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him and emphasized Mian Nawaz Sharif's ‘vision’ for the country’s development. He expressed optimism regarding the country's growth rate and indicated a commitment to collaborate with similar-minded parties to enhance Sindh's welfare.

The joint declaration signals a collaborative effort between PML-N and MQM to address the nation's issues and promote development, setting the stage for potential advancements in Pakistan's political landscape.

Anger brews in PPP ranks over possible Nawaz-Zardari meeting

The Pakistan People's Party (PPP) has expressed serious reservations over the unity and reconciliation with PML-N. Party leaders also opposed the possible meeting between Nawaz Sharif and Zardari, and say that previously also the reconciliation with PML-N had cost the party a lot in Punjab.

“The reconciliation policy will have negative effects on the elections in Punjab,” the PPP Punjab said.

Sources in PPP claimed that the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) opposes a possible meeting between Nawaz Sharif and Zardari.

“Reconciliation with PML-N led to the destruction of the party in Punjab before,” the PPP leaders stressed.

“Leaders also expressed their concerns in the executive committee meeting of PPP Central Punjab,” he added.

“I will formally send my recommendations to the party leadership,” PPP leader Rana Farooq Saeed told SAMAA TV.

“The incumbent President of People's Party Punjab will contest the elections against the Muslim League-N,” he added.

“Rana Farooq wants neither alliance with PML nor seat adjustment in Punjab,” Rana said.

General Secretary Punjab Hasan Murtaza informed Chairman Bilawal Bhutto about the reservations and recommended Bilawal Bhutto to end his ties with PML-N.

“Our election is against Muslim League-N, they don't want reconciliation,” Hasan Murtaza said.