KARACHI: In a significant political development, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Pakistan on Saturday announced its decision to withdraw its candidates from the Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections, throwing its weight behind the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in the electoral contest. The announcement was made by senior MQM leader Dr. Farooq Sattar during a press conference, where he confirmed that his party had decided to step aside in favor of PML-N candidates in the Azad Kashmir polls. Speaking to the media, Sattar said the MQM had presented its demands to PML-N leadership, including key constitutional amendments and the restoration of the Sindh governorship to his party. He maintained that the position of Sindh governor was rightfully MQM’s mandate and should be returned to the party. “We have put forward our demands—including constitutional amendments and the Sindh governorship—before PML-N. The Sindh governor’s slot is MQM’s mandate, and it should be given back to us,” Sattar stated. Expressing confidence in the alliance, the MQM leader said, “We hope that PML-N and MQM will jointly win the Azad Kashmir elections.” The decision is seen as a major political realignment ahead of the Azad Kashmir polls, with the MQM’s move expected to strengthen PML-N’s position in the electoral race. Political observers believe the development could also have implications for the political landscape in Sindh, where MQM has long been a dominant force. DNA
Further details about seat adjustments and the scope of the alliance are expected to be announced in the coming days.
