KARACHI: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader and Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal said that he arrived in Karachi on Prime Minister’s directives, where Muttahida Qaumi Movement-P was taken into confidence regarding proposed constitutional amendments. He assured that any concerns would be addressed.

Speaking at joint press conference with MQM-P, Ahsan Iqbal remarked that no democratic party can oppose these amendments.

He stressed that parliamentary affairs should not be dictated by judicial rulings, as political decisions by courts can lead to instability in country.

He criticised judiciary for its involvement in political matters, stating that removal of governments through Article 58-2(b) ended with its repeal, but courts began intervening again. He emphasised that judiciary should remain separate from political affairs.

He remarked that Pakistan’s development journey was halted when PML-N government was ousted. He accused judiciary of overreaching its authority, referencing disqualification of Nawaz Sharif and dismissal of Hamza Shehbaz’s government by few judges.

He criticised Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s governance, claiming it pushed country to brink of bankruptcy. He appreciated MQM-P’s support over past 26 months, acknowledging their role in backing government.

MQM-P leader Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui stressed importance of working together in future. He highlighted that their discussions covered constitutional amendments, Article 140-A, missing persons and independent power producers.

Earlier, PML-N and MQM delegations met, where Azam Nazeer Tarar briefed MQM-P on amendment proposals. MQM-P emphasised importance of both constitutional amendments and changes in local government laws, advocating for devolution of powers to lower levels.

Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Dr Farooq Sattar, Mustafa Kamal, Amin ul Haq, and Khawaja Izhar ul Hassan from MQM-P and Ahsan Iqbal, Rana Sanaullah and Azam Nazeer Tarar representing PML-N attended.

Published in The Daily National Courier, October, 14 2024

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