PPP, MQM agree on power-sharing formula

KARACHI - The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) yesterday agreed on a power-sharing formula in Sindh.
An official announcement in this respect is expected in next 24 hours.
The heads of both parties - Asif Ali Zardari and Altaf Hussain - have given their approval for the formula which was evolved after several rounds of talks in Karachi and Islamabad. The last round of talks was held in Islamabad last week that eventually paved the way for the power sharing formula.
Earlier the MQM had demanded 13 ministries besides governorship of the province that was turned down by the PPP.
However, the PPP seemed to have relented its stance and agreed to accommodate the MQM so that the province could be governed in a smooth manner.
A leader of the MQM confirmed that the power-sharing formula had been signed and the party was likely to name its nominees for ministers and advisers in the next 48 hours.
He added that the formula related only to power sharing in Sindh and did not cover ruling set-up at the Centre. However, the issue could be discussed in future if both parties wanted.
According to the formula agreed by both the parties, the MQM will get eight ministries and five advisers in Sindh. The MQM ministers and advisers are expected to take oath from Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad on Friday (May 2).
This is not the first time that the two major parties of the province have agreed to form a coalition government in Sindh.
Both of them shared powers in Sindh during the second tenure of Benazir Bhutto as prime minister.
Many political observers see the power-sharing agreement in Sindh as a warning to PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif and the possible formation of a new alliance at the Centre if the PML-N decided to quit ministries over the issue of reinstatement of deposed judges.