It is quite interesting to note that MQM Pakistan has placed three main demands before the newly elected prime minister ostensibly as a price of its support that it lent to him during his election. These demands, according to media reports, are quashing of criminal cases against MQM-P leadership including Dr Farooq Sattar, reopening of its political offices and disbursement of Rs 30 billion development package.

These demands were made by a delegation of the MQM-P that held a detailed meeting with the prime minister in Karachi recently. Insofar as its Rs 30 billion development package demand is concerned, prime minister Abbasi is required to give it a serious thought owing to a variety of factors. This would certainly improve the electoral prospects of his party in the urban areas of Sindh as MQM is facing the new challenge of its former mayor Mustafa Kamal who has set up his own party to contest the elections. The PML-N now has a chance to reach out to Karachiites in an effective and meaningful manner.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2017