Governor Sindh denies any deadlock between PTI and GDA

KARACHI: Governor Sindh Imran Ismail refuted rumors on Tuesday that there is a deadlock between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and coalition partner Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA).

Today, a PTI delegation reached Kingri house and met with GDA leader Saddaruddin Shah Rashdi — the visit came after the ruling party made several attempts to appease the disgruntled Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan. 

Governor Sindh Imran Ismail held a joint press conference with Pakistan Muslim League-Functional's Rashdi, refuting rumors that the delegation had come to clear the differences with its coalition partner.

The governor Sindh said "I have not come here to convince anyone, rather I just came to eat food."

The governor said that the "GDA was still working with limited resources," while various projects were underway for the province.

The meeting was constructive, the prevailing issues of the province were discussed, PML-F leader Pir Sadaruddin Shah said. 

"The GDA is standing alongside the government and we will continue our struggle to resolve the province's issues," he said. 

"Pir sahab is a very sincere man and gives good advice as well," the governor said.

PTI, MQM-P deadlock

Prime Minister Imran Khan contacted MQM-P leader Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui on Monday, assuring the disgruntled coalition partner that his valid demands would be fulfilled.

Also read: MQM-P's Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui says he is quitting federal cabinet over 'unfulfilled promises'

Sources told Geo News that PM Imran Khan approached the MQM-P leader and has summoned him to Islamabad. During the conversation, Siddiqui put forth his reservations in front of the premier, who assured the former that the party's issues would be addressed.

PM Imran spoke on the matter during the media strategy committee session earlier in the day, where he said that the demands of the MQM-P related to the release of funds, development works, and establishment of educational institutions would be met soon.

PTI leader Jahangir Tareen also spoke with Khalid Maqbool.

On Sunday, the MQM-P gave the PTI federal government a jolt as Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Khalid Maqbool announced his decision to leave the federal cabinet over “unfulfilled promises”.

The MQM-P’s key leaders told The News that the party’s recent move was a part of pressurising the federal government to give it another ministry because, the party believes, Farogh Naseem, Minister for Law and Justice, has been solely working on behalf of the federal government.

Following the bombshell announcement, the prime minister directed PTI’s Karachi leaders to meet the MQM-P leaders and address their grievances.

Addressing a press conference after the meeting, Umar said the PTI wished the MQM-P would remain a part of the federal cabinet. "Our wish is that Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui remains in the cabinet," he said.

Read more: Siddiqui expresses displeasure over being given ministry of information technology