KARACHI, 27 November 2002 — The Sindh Province will for the first time since its inception in 1970 have a Mohajir or an Urdu-speaking chief minister, sources here said. The sources confirmed that an agreement to this effect had been reached between the pro-government Pakistan Muslim League-Q and the Muttehada Quami Movement (MQM). The sources also hinted that former chief secretary of the province Syed Sardar Ahmad will be nominated for the post.
Earlier, parties were trying for a consensus on Arbab Ghulam Rahim, the loyalist MPA from Tharpakar, but MQM with its 45 seats in the assembly held fast and have finally been given the go ahead to lead the provincial Cabinet.
Earlier, members elected to Punjab and NWFP assemblies took the oath of office yesterday. Also governors of the four provinces too were administered fresh oath of office under the 1973 constitution.
The PPPP, despite being the single largest group in Sindh, has been kept out of power in its stronghold following the defection of four of its members to the ruling PML(Q). One member from the PML Nawaz faction also joined the ruling party in the Punjab province. The Sindh Assembly will have its inaugural session on Nov 28. It was originally scheduled to meet yesterday, but had to be postponed for three days.
The MMA, the PML(Q), and the NA, with eight or more seats, will form a coalition with MQM, the sources added.
