Pakistan’s PPP and MQM are once again negotiating to form a coalition government in Sindh province. Such a coalition, along with some junior partners, has ruled Sindh in the last five-year term. It broke just before the general elections on the issue of local government system. PPP insisted to keep the 1979 local bodies system, a legacy of Zia-ul-Haq, which keeps the lawmakers under bureaucratic control while MQM didn’t budge to move away from 2001 local government system, which keeps bureaucratic control at bay.

It is true that these parties represent two major ethnic groups in the province — Sindhi and Urdu speaking population. Therefore it is logical to have representation of both the groups in running of the government. PPP is able to rule on its own with the mandate it received from the Sindhi-speaking population (rural Sindh). Yet, for a smooth governance as also to keep sentiments of the urban Sindh, it has sought to mend differences with MQM, thus making it join the government.

But what is the price urban Sindh and MQM have to pay for joining government as a junior partner? Time has proved that being an ally in the ruling government, MQM has miserably failed to take care of urban Sindh.

During the last five years, PPP has played with words to defer local government elections which, if ever held, would have given some powers to the MQM. But neither the local government elections were held, nor MQM was given a ministry of any importance. PPP kept with it all the important ministries such as those of interior, education and finance. No serious efforts were made to correct the worsening law and order situation. Influx of refugees from the war-torn northwest was not regulated either, resulting in the growing influence of Taleban and sectarian outfits. Both PPP and MQM in their last regime worked with armed groups to extend their influence.

If the two parties are going to be partners on the same old line, then people of urban Sindh are going to suffer as before. It’s time for MQM to sit in the opposition and strive for the rights of the people it represents. We need a strong opposition with adequate check and balance on the ruling partners. In present scenario, Urban Sindh will gain nothing but despair and political uneasiness. It is not logical for MQM to take blame for prevailing situation wherein it can’t influence and control. It shall come out clear for the next election. Remember, urban Sindh is now looking for alternates to MQM, as has been proved in May 2013 elections. — Masood Khan, Jubail