Alliance with MQM out of necessity than choice, says PTI Karachi chief

KARACHI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Karachi President Firdaus Shamim Naqvi on Sunday said that the alliance with Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan was made due to certain necessities.

While addressing a press conference, Naqvi said that he stood by his accusations levelled against the MQM and the party went into alliance with the MQM because they had not enough party votes to elect Imran Khan as leader of the house in the national assembly.

“MQM lost because of Mayor Waseem Akhtar,” Naqvi said. “They (MQM) didn’t fulfil promises made to the nation.”

The PTI leader said that members of Pak Sarzameen Party, All Pakistan Muslim League and MQM are joining the party fold, but added that he is ensuring that the new entrants don’t hold criminal background.

MQM-P, PTI sign nine-point MoU for government formation

The two parties reached the agreement following a meeting at Imran Khan's Bani Gala residence

“We can’t afford to include criminal elements in the party,” Naqvi added.

Faisal Sabzwari, a central of MQM-P, in his reaction to Naqvi’s statement said that the working relationship between the two parties will be effected by such statements. “We will put forward the statements before PTI leadership and will ask them about the compulsions,” he said.

Separately, MQM leader Farooq Sattar chose to reserve his answer when he was asked about his absence in the meeting of party leaders with Imran Khan at Banigala.

“This question should be asked from Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui. I believe that MQM members should not take ministries,” he said. 

PTI distances itself from Naqvi's statement 

The PTI distanced itself from MPA-elect Firdaus Shamim Naqvi's statement that the party's alliance with MQM was out of necessity rather than choice. 

PTI leader Naeemul Haque said Naqvi's remarks did not reflect party policy but were, in fact, his own opinion, and did not benefit the party in any way. 

"The alliance with MQM is a strategy, not a necessity," Haque added.

Party chief Imran Khan is expected to have a discussion with Naqvi about the matter tomorrow.