PTI, PML-Q reconcile after successful talks

ISLAMABAD: The ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and its coalition partner, the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), have reconciled late Wednesday following successful talks, hours after the latter had warned the former of "explosive" consequences its demands were not fulfilled.

The PTI's bid to win over the PML-Q came after the government's negotiation team met a delegation of its ally's leaders, sources informed Geo News.

The PML-Q had earlier asked the ruling party to let it run its ministries with absolute authority and without any hindrances, whereas its second demand pertained to the immediate release of development funds. It had also warned of "explosive consequences" if the demands were not met. 

'Propaganda'

The development came days after MQM-P leader and federal minister, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, had resigned in protest, prompting the government to hold negotiations with its allies.

Read more: MQM-P leader says quitting federal cabinet over 'unfulfilled promises'

The PML-Q had further demanded the government stop saying Moonis Elahi wanted a federal ministry. It conveyed the Chaudhry brothers' message that such "propaganda" — suggesting a ministry was being demanded from the centre — should be stopped.

The PML-Q's Tariq Bashir Cheema reiterated his party's demand that the developments funds be disbursed to them to continue work in their constituencies.

No fear of anyone

Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar and senior provincial bureaucrats were also part of the meeting.

On the other hand, PTI leader Jahangir Khan Tareen noted that the government had no fear of anyone and that the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) had only left a ministry, not the incumbent administration.

There were talks with the Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) and the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA), Tareen added, stressing that the government would resolve the coalition partners' reservations.

Separately, CM Buzdar in a notification said the government would take the PML-Q alongside for the public's growth and prosperity and that conspiracies to birth misunderstandings would never work.