PML-N supports MQM-P constitutional amendments for local government system

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pak­istan (MQM-P) pledged to approve the constitutional amendments by the next parliament to strengthen local governments (LGs) nationwide.

The MQM-P delegation comprised Dr Farooq Sattar, Aminul Haq and Mustafa Kamal handed over a draft bill to the PML-N delegation included Ahsan Iqbal, Ayaz Sadiq, Saad Rafique and Bashir Memon, seeking constitutional amen­dments to politically, financially, and administratively empower LGs so that “the fruits of democracy are extended for the benefit of the populace”.

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.

Ahsan Iqbal said: “We will pass a constitutional amendment through the next parliament, ensuring that local governments do not rely on the mercy of provincial governments and have constitutional cover.”

MQM-P leader Farooq Sattar said they (MQM-P delegation) have handed over a draft bill to the PML-N team aimed at empowering LGs through a constitutional amendment. “PML-N is completely satisfied with the gist of the bill,” he added.

Ahsan Iqbal said: “We [PML-N and MQM-P] will work together to secure as many seats [of the National Assembly in the forthcoming general elections] as possible from Sindh, the stronghold of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).”

MQM-P leader Farooq Sattar said MQM-P will also present the draft bill to other political parties to seek a consensus on the issue.