MQM-P, PML-N concur on empowering LG system through constitutional amendment

• Parties unite on constitutional amendment to strengthen LG system.
• PML-N promises MQM-P about approving constitutional amendment.
• Constitutional protection best possible way for better LG system.

ISLAMABAD: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) are in agreement for the local government system to receive constitutional cover through amendment, as it will strengthen it throughout the country.

The two parties agreed on the decision during a meeting at the residence of PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal in Islamabad on Wednesday, The News reported.

The MQM-P delegation included Farooq Sattar, Mustafa Kamal and Aminul Haq, while the PML-N leadership comprised Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Khawaja Saad Rafique and Bashir Memon.

"The MQM delegation handed over a draft of a bill to us and we have promised that a constitutional amendment will be approved by parliament after general elections,” said Ahsan Iqbal during an informal talk with journalists after the meeting.

Iqbal added the PML-N also believed in a strong local government system. He was of the view that for the solution of problems at the grassroots level and training of youth, the best possible way was to ensure that the local body’s system was given constitutional protection.

The PML-N leader said that they also discussed cooperation for the upcoming general elections. In this, he said, it was decided that candidates having chances of winning elections would be supported.

"We will try to secure maximum seats in Sindh," he said.

Mustafa Kamal said that they did not meet the PML-N leadership to seek seats for elections but they wanted strengthening of local government system.

Farooq Sattar maintained the survival of Pakistan and the solution to people's problems lies in a strong local government system. "We want the provincial governments not to become the centre of all the power and must share them with the local bodies," he said.

Earlier this week, MQM-P organised a conference titled "Independent Districts: Strong Pakistan" in Karachi to facilitate "comprehensive" constitutional amendments to decentralise power.

MQM-P Convener Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, during the conference, said that just as the powers of prime minister and chief ministers are listed in the Constitution, the powers of local governments should also be highlighted.

"The real reason behind the crisis in Pakistan is the lack of honest intention which is more problematic than the unfair distribution of resources. Pakistan needs a constitution in which workers are represented by workers and not landlords or feudals," he added.