The Pakistan Mutahidakami Movement (MQM-P), a crucial supporter of the ruling coalition, stated on Sunday that it would not run in the National Assembly by-elections, following in the footsteps of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM).
The notice was issued by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) after Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf accepted the resignations of PTI legislators.
In light of the current economic situation in the country, the MQM-P has chosen not to participate in the upcoming emergency elections, according to a statement made by the party.
The president of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F), Maulana Fazl Ur Rehman, said on January 17 that the ruling coalition would not fight the empty seats. In addition, the reasons for non-candidacy will be revealed shortly.
According to the statement, the decision was made at a Rabita Committee meeting chaired by MQM-P senior vice president Nasreen Jalil. The decision was taken after examining the PDM’s proposal for emergency elections. At the Rabit Committee meeting, a resolution was made to support Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, MQM-P, as a convener.
Notably, the PDM management reached out to MQM-PD a few days ago and asked them not to contest supplementary elections for the vacant seat in Karachi.