ISLAMABAD – Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) will join the PTI inthe government. Addressing a joint press conference with leaders of PTI inIslamabad on Friday, MQM-P chief Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said: “We havevisited Bani Gala at the invitation of PTI Chairman Imran Khan, adding thattoday s meeting is a step forward to extend the journey of democracy.”

He said that instead of personal interests, MQM-P has prioritized theinterest of the country, adding that the development of Karachi means thedevelopment of Pakistan.

Siddiqui went on to say that the devolution of power will bring more powerto people.

“Both MQM and PTI have gained a huge mandate in urban areas of Sindh andthey will cooperate with each other,” Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui added.

“The PTI has also assured to extend cooperation in the issues of census anddelimitation,” the MQM convener said and added continued operation inKarachi will also be reviewed and taken to its logical conclusion.

Speaking on the occasion, PTI leader Jahangir Khan Tareen said that bothparties are building on the earlier contacts for formation of government,adding that the manifesto of PTI gives deep importance to devolution ofpower and an effective local government system.

He said that the PTI will try to bring police reforms in Sindh incollaboration with MQM-P like it did in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Tareen further said: “The people of Karachi have trusted PTI and MQMthrough their votes, adding that unfortunately no serious effort was madein the past to resolve the problems of the metropolis, however, PTI willtake steps to give maximum relief and facilities to urban areas of Karachiby announcing a special package for the city.”

Moreover, he said, a university would also be set up in Hyderabad to grantthe right of higher education to its residents.

On July 31, Jahangir Tareen met MQM-P leadership in Karachi and invitedthem to join the federal government.

The MQM-P put forward various demands to join PTI government in NationalAssembly. The party, after consultation with Rabita Committee, demanded tostop targeted operation and to reopen its offices in Karachi.

It also asked to hold vote recount in 12 constituencies of Karachi.

MQM-P further demanded to construct university in Hyderabad and to issuefunds to the mayor. However; the party had refused to become part of theAll Parties Conference and pledged support to PTI.