KARACHI: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) has warned that it may withdraw its support for the federal coalition government if its key demands, including the recovery of missing party workers, implementation of constitutional provisions on local government, and the Sindh governorship, are not addressed.

Speaking at a press conference, senior MQM-P leader Dr. Farooq Sattar said the party would formally ask to move to the opposition benches in the National Assembly if the government failed to fulfill its commitments.

“If our demands regarding our missing colleagues, Article 140-A, the governorship of Sindh, and the urban development package are not met, MQM-P will soon write to the Speaker of the National Assembly requesting seats for our 22 members on the opposition benches,” Sattar said.

Reference to 2022 Agreement

Farooq Sattar said the demands were based on an agreement signed in 2022 between the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and MQM-P.

According to him, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari signed the agreement, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif acted as a guarantor and witness to the commitments.

“This is our final warning,” Sattar said. “The Prime Minister should ensure the implementation of the agreement.”

Demands Raised by MQM-P

The MQM-P leader reiterated several longstanding demands, including:

• Recovery of missing party workers.
• Implementation of Article 140-A of the Constitution, which relates to an effective local government system.
• Appointment of an MQM-backed Governor of Sindh.
• Announcement and implementation of an urban development package.
• Creation of a separate administrative unit for Karachi under the federal government.

Sattar also claimed that the PPP had informed MQM-P that it had no role in the removal of the Governor of Sindh and called on the federal government to clarify its position on the matter.

PPP Responds

Responding to the MQM-P’s statements, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon accused the party of attempting to exert political pressure on the government.

Speaking to the media, Sharjeel Memon described Farooq Sattar’s press conference as an example of political blackmail, saying MQM-P should question its federal coalition partners instead of blaming the Sindh government for issues related to Karachi.

“Using federal intervention as a tool for political pressure is evidence of political blackmail,” he said.

The PPP leader argued that MQM-P had lost public confidence and was now seeking “shortcuts” to regain political relevance.

Opposition to Federal Control of Karachi

Sharjeel Memon also criticized MQM-P’s proposal to place Karachi under greater federal administrative control.

He said transferring Sindh’s administrative matters to the federal government would be contrary to Pakistan’s federal structure and constitutional framework.

“The people of Sindh have given the Pakistan Peoples Party a clear mandate,” he said. “That mandate cannot be changed through press conferences, threats, or political pressure.”

He further stated that MQM-P should hold its allies in the federal government accountable for any unfulfilled promises rather than shifting responsibility to the Sindh government.

Coalition Under Pressure

The exchange of statements highlights growing tensions within Pakistan’s ruling coalition, as MQM-P has publicly expressed dissatisfaction over the pace of implementation of commitments it says were made as part of political agreements reached in 2022.

It remains unclear whether the party will formally withdraw its support from the federal government if its demands remain unmet. Any such move could have political implications for the coalition, although no official decision has yet been announced by MQM-P regarding its future in the government.