MQM boycotts federal cabinet meeting; finance minister comes under fire

Published
5

Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf chairing a meeting of the federal cabinet at the PM Secretariat. — File Photo by Online

ISLAMABAD: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) on Wednesday boycotted the federal cabinet meeting due to its reservations over local body system in Sindh, DawnNews reported.

On the directives of the prime minister, the MQM federal minister was contacted but he refused to attend the meeting.

MQM on Monday had given Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) a three-day ultimatum to fulfill their ‘valid’ demands.

The statement, issued by the Rabita Committee after its meeting held simultaneously in London and Karachi, had said that working in coalition with the PPP has become impossible as despite repeated assurances it has failed to meet their demands.

In today's federal cabinet meeting , some members of the parliament complained against Finance Minister Abdul Hafeez Shaikh and Adviser to petroleum ministry Dr Asim Hussain, holding them responsible for energy crisis in the country and continuous increment in the petroleum prices; the ministers demanded their removal from their respective posts.

They said that public representatives should be appointed to these important posts.

Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf convened a special Cabinet meeting next week to discuss ways to reduce load shedding and review the overall energy situation in the country.

The Prime Minister said that during the special meeting next week Ministers for Finance, Water & Power and Petroleum & Natural Resources will brief about the latest energy situation in the country.

Opinion

Editorial

Iran status quo
Updated 12 Nov, 2026

Iran status quo

The US cannot hold the world hostage in order to find an honourable exit from a disastrous war for which it has only itself — and Israel — to blame.
Unspent funds
12 Nov, 2026

Unspent funds

THE slow pace of development spending shows how public investment continues to bear the brunt of efforts to create a...
Homes and hope
12 Nov, 2026

Homes and hope

THE completion of more than one million homes for families displaced by the 2022 floods is a moment worth...
Opposition moves
Updated 11 Nov, 2026

Opposition moves

Expectations of the maulana leading another street confrontation with the government anytime soon are likely to remain wishful thinking.
CT battle
Updated 11 Nov, 2026

CT battle

Gains made over the last month should be capitalised on, with the affected areas permanently cleared of terrorists.
Water management
11 Nov, 2026

Water management

THE Sindh chief minister, while reflecting on Karachi’s water woes, recently observed that water supply is only part...