MQMP, PMLN hold talks on new budget, economic situation

KARACHI: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) held talks with the representatives of ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) at the Sindh Governor House here on Sunday. The talks were held to discuss the overall economic situation of the country and present suggestions for the upcoming federal budget 2025-26 in order to make it people-friendly and responsive to development needs of urban Sindh.

Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori took part in the talks, while the MQM-P’s side was represented by its Chairman Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and senior leaders Dr Farooq Sattar, Jawed Hanif, Hafeezuddin, and Nasreen Jalil. The PMLN delegation included Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervez Malik and Energy Minister Awais Leghari.

Speaking to the media after the talks, the Sindh governor told journalists that the meeting expressed gratitude to the prime minister and chiefs of armed forces for upholding Pakistan’s name in the recent military clash with India. He also thanked the federal finance minister for his efforts in the success of Pakistan’s recent talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and foiling the Indian attempt to stop the release of new IMF instalment.

He told the media persons that the meeting between the two sides discussed the upcoming federal budget. He said Pakistan had been trying to pay back its loan to the IMF, adding efforts were also under way to retire foreign loans payable by Pakistan.

PM’s aide Rana Sanaullah said the armed forces of Pakistan had upheld the sovereignty of the country and added the people of Pakistan constitute an autonomous nation. He said Pakistan’s military had valiantly defended the geographical boundaries of the country.

Sanaullah claimed that Pakistan had been steered out of the economic crisis, adding the federal government would ensure that the upcoming budget provides maximum relief to the masses.

MQM-P’s senior leader Dr Farooq Sattar said the base of direct taxation regime in the country should be expanded. He also called upon the government to strengthen the cottage industries. He added the government would ensure the supply of 260 million gallons of additional water to Karachi through the K-IV project. He also urged the federal government to treat Karachi and Hyderabad in a just manner, adding the MQM-P desired that the government should strengthen the entire country.