By our correspondent
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has stepped in to calm rising political tensions as the PPP-MQM row over a proposed Karachi province intensifies. He met Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah in Islamabad to ease fears and promote unity among coalition partners.
The growing dispute between the Pakistan Peoples Party and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement – Pakistan has centred on calls for greater federal control of Karachi. The MQM-P accused the Sindh government of “chronic misgovernance” in the city, while the PPP hit back, blaming the party for past violence in the metropolis.
During the meeting, Shehbaz Sharif urged allied parties to maintain harmony and consultation, calling it essential for national stability and policy continuity. He assured full federal cooperation for the timely completion of development projects in Sindh.
Murad Ali Shah briefed the prime minister on ongoing development initiatives in the province, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.
The debate over dividing Sindh has intensified in recent days, with the MQM-P demanding administrative changes in Karachi. The PPP has strongly opposed any proposal to create a separate province, warning it would resist any such move.
Meanwhile, Asif Ali Zardari, who also co-chairs the PPP, has reportedly directed his party’s provincial leadership to maintain cordial ties with the MQM-P and Kamran Tessori. Party sources denied rumours that the PPP was seeking the governor’s removal, saying they were willing to work with him within constitutional limits.
A senior PPP leader said the president had asked the Sindh leadership to “put its own house in order” and improve governance. He conveyed dissatisfaction over service delivery in Sindh compared with Punjab and Islamabad but indicated that no major reshuffle was planned.
According to party insiders, Zardari has urged leaders to dial down the political temperature and maintain working relations with coalition partners, provided the same spirit is shown in return. The recent standoff, one leader said, would likely prove to be a “storm in a teacup”.
Despite the sharp rhetoric, both sides appear keen to avoid a deeper rupture in the coalition, as discussions continue behind closed doors.
Focus Keyword: PPP-MQM row
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