Removing all possible hurdles, the MQM-P on Tuesday decided to withdraw its candidate Mustafa Kamal from NA-242 and back the junior Sharif in the February 8 elections, sources say, as the two parties have fine-tuned the complex seat adjustment details in an attempt to stage upset in Sindh – the PPP stronghold. With PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif contesting from the said constituency, the decision was expected after the two sides developed a consensus on the sensitive issue of empowering local governments in Pakistan – the main demand pursued by the MQM-P which has remained the main representative of urban population in Sindh since late 1980s.
However, the PPP has been resisting the suggestion for the fear of losing political leverage in the politics of Sindh – a stance producing a complete split with the MQM-P after years of close liaison. Earlier, it was reported that the PML-N and likeminded parties in Sindh are giving final shape to seat adjustment modalities, in an attempt to present a united front against the PPP in Sindh and produce favourable results in the much-awaited general elections next month.
