MQM-P will soon hold a follow-up meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss proposed constitutional amendments aimed at strengthening local governments, according to party sources. The delegation aims to press for the inclusion of their demands in the upcoming 28th Constitutional Amendment.
Budget Support and Expectations
MQM-P fully supported the ruling PML-N in comfortably passing the federal budget, despite some reservations about budgetary proposals. The party expects the Prime Minister to accept its long-pending demands, background discussions with MQM-P seniors revealed. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, a couple of days ago, directed the formation of a committee to advance consultations on the proposed amendments.
Demands for 28th Constitutional Amendment
The senior leadership of MQM-P has conveyed its demands to senior members of PML-N for incorporation into the upcoming 28th Constitutional Amendment. As the ruling party plans to start legislation on its constitutional package, it needs the support of all its coalition partners to ensure the required numerical strength. MQM-P has recently given an ultimatum to the government to immediately pass the 28th Constitutional Amendment by incorporating its proposal regarding the empowerment of the local government system.
Statements from MQM-P Leaders
MQM-P senior lawmaker Dr. Farooq Sattar has already shared with this newspaper that they have asked the government to pass the amendment by incorporating their demands. The PML-N, before passing the 27th Constitutional Amendment, had promised to pass the next amendment with the demands shared by MQM-P. Parliamentary sources claimed that the consultation process on the 28th Constitutional Amendment will start next month.
Outlook and Follow-Up Meeting
On the other hand, MQM-P members are not very optimistic about legislation on the proposed 28th Constitutional Amendment in the immediate future. Talking to The Nation, MQM-P senior leader Zahid Malik said that senior party members would try to hold a follow-up meeting in the near future. The meeting is expected to take place after the Prime Minister's committee submits its recommendations.
Punjab Digital Monitoring for Muharram
Separately, Punjab has rolled out a digital monitoring plan for Muharram to ensure security and compliance with standard operating procedures. The plan includes use of CCTV cameras and digital tracking to monitor processions and gatherings.
