Centre's efforts to woo MQM-P dampen PPP aspirations.

Byline: Javaid-ur-Rahman

ISLAMABAD -- The repeated attempts of the federal government to persuade its coalition partner, Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan [MQM-P] have significantly reduced chances of the Sindh government to bring back its erstwhile allied partner [MQM-P] into its fold. The stalwarts of ruling party [PTI], only in a one week, twice held meetings with its annoyed partner to win back Khalid Maqbol Siddiqui in federal cabinet.

MQM-P chief Khalid Maqbol Siddiqui has recently announced to distance itself from federal cabinet without sharing any particular reason. His sudden announcement of leaving the federal cabinet has visibly created chaos in the PTI government. Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had recently offered the MQM-P to join hands with his government in Sindh.

The back to back meetings of the PTI top negotiator, Jhangir Tareen and party's economic wizard Asad Umar with MQM-P's leadership have clearly reflected its confusion. These PTI's members are now seemingly confident to woo Khalid Maqbol Siddiqui, as Asad Umar in his media talk commented that Prime Minister Imran Khan has not accepted resignation of MQM-P's minister.

Talking to The Nation, MQM-P spokesman Amin Ulhaq said, 'We are adopting 'wait and see' policy. We are hopeful that federal government will fulfill our demands,' he said.

On the other hand, the PPP has ostensibly lost its interest to convince MQM-P to become part of the...