Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has publicly reaffirmed his administration's dedication to addressing the MQM-Pakistan's proposed constitutional amendment concerning local bodies through comprehensive consultation and consensus among coalition partners.
Government's Assurance to Coalition Partner
Addressing the National Assembly in Islamabad on Thursday, the Prime Minister emphasized that while the federal government fully supports the MQM-Pakistan's initiative to empower local governments, certain procedural and technical constraints prevented its inclusion in the recent constitutional amendment passed by Parliament.
The Prime Minister had previously given personal assurances to the MQM-Pakistan leadership that the matter would be settled through mutual agreement and understanding among all allied parties.
Consultation Process with Coalition Allies
"I had assured our coalition partner MQM-Pakistan that, after due consultations with all allied parties, including PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and other coalition leaders, we will resolve this issue with mutual understanding and consensus," Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated during his parliamentary address.
This commitment builds upon the existing memorandum of understanding signed between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and MQM-P in March 2024, which specifically addressed the empowerment of local governments through federal channels rather than provincial administrations.
Path Forward for Local Government Reforms
The development highlights the ongoing efforts to strengthen local governance structures in Pakistan while navigating the complex dynamics of coalition politics. The Prime Minister's repeated assurances indicate the government's recognition of MQM-P's concerns and its determination to find an acceptable solution through democratic dialogue.
The proposed amendment represents a significant step toward decentralizing power and enhancing the effectiveness of local government institutions across the country, particularly in urban centers where MQM-P maintains substantial political influence.
