MQM-PMLN agree on constitutional cover for LG system

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Muslim League-N and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) have agreed on a constitutional amendment for strengthening the local government system in the country.

A decision in this regard in principle was reached in a meeting between leaders of the two parties at the residence of PML-N Secretary General Chaudhry Ahsan Iqbal here on Wednesday.

The PML-N delegation comprised Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Khawaja Saad Rafique and Bashir Memon while the MQM delegation included Farooq Sattar, Mustafa Kamal and Aminul Haq. “The MQM delegation handed over draft of a bill to us and we have promised that a constitutional amendment will be approved by parliament after general elections,” Ahsan Iqbal while talking informally to the media after the meeting said.

Ahsan added the PML-N also believed in a strong local government system. He was of the view that for the solution of problems at the grassroot level and training of youth, the best possible way was to ensure that the local body’s system was given a constitutional protection. Ahsan Iqbal said that they also discussed cooperation for the upcoming general elections. In this, he said, it was decided that candidates having chances of winning elections would be supported. “We will try to secure maximum seats in Sindh,” he said.

Mustafa Kamal said that they did not meet the PML-N leadership to seek seats for elections but they wanted strengthening of local government system. Farooq Sattar maintained the survival of Pakistan and solution of problems of people lies in a strong local government system. “We want the provincial governments not to become the centre of all the power and must share them with the local bodies,” he said.