The situation has taken a dramatic turn in Sindh ahead of Senate elections as Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM-P), an ally of ruling Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf, declined to attend a luncheon meeting hosted by Federal Planning Minister and PTI leader Asad Umar in Karachi on Sunday, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
The TV channel reported that Asad Umar and local PTI leadership kept waiting for the MQM-P leaders but they did not turn up rather declined to attend at the last moment.
Sources claimed that the MQM had earlier confirmed their participation in the luncheon.
On the other hand, leaders of Grand Democratic Alliance, another ally of the PTI, were present at the residence of PTI leader Mahmood Maulvi for a luncheon. The MQM was also invited to that meeting.
Sunday’s meeting was being dubbed crucial before the Senate elections due on March 3.
On the other hand, Sindh Education Minister Saeed Ghani said, “Despite the coalition formed by the PTI with MQM and GDA, I think we have extra seats.”
He offered the MQM that if Muttahida sees its interest then if it should come with PPP as it is ready to give them a ministry.
Earlier, the Pakistan People’s Party on Saturday sought the support of rival MQM-P for Yousuf Raza Gilani on an Islamabad Senate seat and offered the latter that the PPP was ready to withdraw its two nominees in favour of the MQM-P’s candidates.
The MQM has not responded to the PPP offer saying the matter would be decided in a meeting of the party’s coordination committee which will be held on Sunday night to finalize the strategy for the Senate elections.