MQM-P, PML-N reach consensus for alliance in Centre for 'national interest'

• MQM-P seeks "reasonable position" in Centre for its MNAs-elect.
• Shehbaz acknowledges MQM-P's role in averting potential crises.
• PML-N president stresses collaborative effort for economic stability. 

As the political landscape clears out after much uncertainty following the February 8 polls, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) have reached a consensus to join hands for "national interest", The News reported on Saturday.

The development comes after an MQM-P delegation — comprising Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, Mustafa Kamal and Farooq Sattar — met the PML-N leadership in Lahore as part of the ongoing negotiations between the two parties over matters pertaining to the former's role in the coalition government.

Following the recently concluded general elections, no party managed to secure a simple majority in the 336-member National Assembly (NA) leaving the PML-N with no option but to reach out to the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and MQM-P with their 54 and 17 seats, respectively, to reach the required number to form its government.

A day earlier, Geo News reported that the Karachi-based party seeks a "reasonable position in the upcoming elected setup with 17 MNAs-elect."

During the huddle, Shehbaz emphasised the significance of upholding the sanctity of the vote at the meeting, which concentrated on important political concerns.

The PML-N's prime ministerial nominee also called on all parties to work together to safeguard the nation against economic instability.

Acknowledging the MQM-P's role in averting potential crises such as default and no-confidence motions, the PML-N president expressed appreciation for their collaborative efforts.

Meanwhile, the MQM-P delegation commended Shehbaz's inclusive leadership, highlighting his adeptness in fostering unity among various stakeholders over 16 months.

Expressing optimism, the Karachi-based party hoped that under Shehbaz's leadership, Pakistan and its people would overcome prevailing challenges.

The meeting was also attended by Senator Ishaq Dar, Rana Sanaullah, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Khawaja Saad Rafique, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, Rana Mashhood, and Attaullah Tarar from the PML-N, and Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, Mustafa Kamal and Dr Farooq Sattar from the MQM-P.

Separately, Shehbaz said in a statement that the challenges facing the country could only be met with mutual understanding and unity.

"Pakistan belongs to all of us, and everyone has to beautify it," he said and added that "making the country economically stable is my first priority".

He underscored that the tradition of service, honesty and hard work would be carried forward, as the country could not afford chaos in any case. He said all parties must come together for Pakistan, and expressed his determination that the country would be developed fast. He said efforts would be made day and night to give relief to people. Everyone would have to play their role to get the country out of the crises, Shehbaz said and added: "We will serve people with full diligence, hard work and honesty”.

The PML-N leader also hoped a new era of development was about to begin in the county and promised that the PML-N would keep alive the glorious tradition of serving people and national development.