Islamabad (Web Desk): The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) on Wednesday official announced to quit its alliance with the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government and joined the joint Opposition to support no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Inran Khan.
Addressing a press conference, alongside leaders of the joint Opposition, MQM-P unveiled details of the agreements signed by the two sides.
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shahbaz Sharif, MQM-P Convener Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, and Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) chief Akhtar Mengal, among others, are attending the press conference.
"We have gathered at a historic moment. More than congratulations, this is a test through which the national leadership has to pass," Siddiqui said. "Today is also a day for prayers ... common people's wishes have been fulfilled. I expect that this time we can [strive for] a democracy whose effects can reach the common people of Pakistan.
The MQM-P leader said that his party has decided to develop a working relationship with the joint Opposition, aimed towards the development of Pakistan, and not for personal or party gains.
"I hope we work to develop an era where political differences are not considered as enmity, where political revenge does not exist, and where politicians start bearing each other," he added.
Speaking to the newsmen, PML-N president Shehbaz said that today is an important day for Pakistan's history as the Opposition has "united on the same page after decades."
The PML-N leader urged the prime minister to resign and start a new chapter in the political history of Pakistan. “I don’t think he will resign but it’s a hope against hope,” he added.
He said the agreement made with the MQM-P will be implemented in letter and spirit.
Speaking at the presser, Bilawal said he was thankful to the MQM-P for making a decision to split ranks with the government for the sake of Karachi, Sindh, and Pakistan. “It is a historic decision,” he said referring to the MQM-P’s decision.
He said MQM-P and PPP have worked together for the uplift of Karachi and Pakistan.
Bilawal said that the dialogue between PPP and MQM-P has been going on for a long time and
"I offered MQM-P to work together” during the Senate elections," he added.
The 'selection' during the 2018 elections was a conspiracy against the entire country, he added.
PM Imran has lost the majority in the House, he said, adding that in addition to MQM-P, Aslam Bhootani, Shahzain Bugti, Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) have joined the opposition.
"He is not the prime minister anymore, either resign or come to parliament on Thursday to face the no-trust motion," he said while addressing PM Imran.
The PPP chief said Shehbaz Sharif will soon be elected as the prime minister, adding that he was thankful to all the opposition parties for waging a 'historic democratic struggle' against the PTI government.
"We will bring more good news for the people for Pakistan," he added.
JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who is also the President of the PDM, welcomed the MQM-P's decision.
"This decision will definitely benefit the country and the nation," he added.
"The drama that started over three years ago has met its end today," he added.
The JUI-F chief was thankful to the political workers for making sacrifices to 'get rid' of this government and added that the opposition wanted to bring a 'healthy political atmopshere' to the country. Fazl also urged other lawmakers to join the opposition and become part of the national mainstream.
BNP-M President Akhtar Mengal said as a former ally, "I request you to step down as you have lost the majority."