MQM delegation to meet Shehbaz Sharif over budget, Karachi and constitutional demands

The MQM delegation of Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan is set to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad today, as discussions intensify over budget support and key political demands ahead of the federal financial plan.

The delegation is expected to include party chairman Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, federal minister Mustafa Kamal, along with senior leaders Farooq Sattar and Aminul Haque.

Party sources say MQM plans to present conditions for supporting the government in the upcoming budget vote. The leadership has demanded a defined timeline for a Karachi development package, restoration of the gubernatorial system in Sindh, and amendments to Article 140A to strengthen local governance.

A senior MQM leader said the party will only extend support if the federal government provides “clear and meaningful assurances” on all three demands. The group has already held an initial meeting with Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar to discuss the matter.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif returned to Pakistan from Switzerland on Monday night, setting the stage for high-level political engagement with coalition partners. It was also confirmed that MQM leadership had earlier pressed its concerns in separate discussions with the law ministry.

The party holds 22 seats in the National Assembly and three in the Senate, making it a crucial ally for the ruling coalition in budget approvals.

A meeting between MQM’s parliamentary members in Islamabad is also scheduled to brief all lawmakers and consolidate the party’s stance ahead of negotiations. A final agreement with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz is still possible if assurances are formally provided.

One official said the demands remain under negotiation and no final decision has been made public.