AJK Elections took a significant political turn after Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) announced its support for Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and confirmed that it would withdraw its candidates in favor of the ruling party. Alongside the announcement, MQM-P also presented three political demands related to local government reforms, the Sindh governorship, and its role in the future government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
The announcement followed a meeting between senior leaders of both parties at MQM-P’s Bahadurabad headquarters in Karachi, where discussions focused on the upcoming AJK elections, political cooperation, and broader political developments.
🤝 PML-N Delegation Meets MQM-P Leadership
A delegation of Pakistan Muslim League-N, led by Sindh President Bashir Memon, visited MQM-P’s central office in Bahadurabad.
The delegation also included Federal Minister Kheal Das Kohistani and election candidate Naeem-ul-Haq. They held talks with MQM-P leaders, including Dr. Farooq Sattar, Amin-ul-Haq, Shabbir Qaimkhani, and other senior party members.
According to the participants, discussions covered the upcoming AJK Elections, political cooperation between the two parties, and the overall political situation in Sindh.
🗳️ MQM-P Withdraws Candidates
Following the meeting, Dr. Farooq Sattar announced that MQM-P would withdraw all of its candidates in favor of PML-N for the upcoming AJK Elections.
He said both parties already share a working relationship and had cooperated before the 2024 general elections. According to him, combining the electoral strength of both parties could improve the chances of their joint candidates in Azad Kashmir.
The announcement officially confirms MQM-P’s electoral support for PML-N in the upcoming polls.
📋 MQM-P Presents Three Demands
While announcing support for PML-N, Dr. Farooq Sattar also outlined three key demands raised during the meeting.
The first demand was the introduction of a constitutional amendment related to local government powers. According to MQM-P, PML-N agreed to bring the proposed legislation before the assembly.
The second demand concerns the office of the Governor of Sindh. MQM-P argued that it represents the urban areas of Sindh and believes the governorship should be allocated to the party.
The third demand calls for MQM-P’s participation in the formation of the future government in Azad Kashmir if PML-N secures victory in the elections.
🏛️ Leaders Highlight Existing Alliance
Dr. Farooq Sattar said MQM-P and PML-N have maintained political cooperation in recent years.
He noted that both parties worked together before the 2024 elections and continue to maintain a coalition relationship.
According to him, strengthening cooperation in the AJK Elections could benefit both parties politically.
🗣️ Bashir Memon Responds to MQM-P’s Demands
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Bashir Memon said both parties have supported each other during challenging political periods.
Regarding the demand for the Sindh governorship, he said the issue would be considered, adding that cooperation between allies remains important.
He also remarked that he believes MQM-P should broaden its political focus beyond Karachi while continuing to work with coalition partners.
🏔️ Confidence Expressed Ahead of AJK Polls
Bashir Memon expressed confidence that PML-N would perform strongly in the upcoming AJK Elections.
He also praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s engagement with Karachi and said the party remains open to dialogue with all political stakeholders.
The meeting concluded with both sides emphasizing continued political coordination ahead of the elections and reaffirming their commitment to cooperation.