PM Shehbaz Intervenes as PPP-MQM Tensions Threaten Coalition Stability

On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah in Islamabad to address the deepening political rift in Karachi. While the meeting focused on federal support for Sindh’s development projects, its true purpose was to stabilize a federal coalition currently being tested by a bitter governance war in the metropolis.

Gul Plaza and the “Federal Territory” Demand

The recent Gul Plaza shopping mall inferno (January 19), which claimed over 80 lives, has acted as a catalyst for a constitutional debate over Karachi’s status:

• The MQM-P Demand: Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal (MQM-P) has called on the Centre to invoke Articles 148 and 149 of the Constitution to declare Karachi a “Federal Territory” and the country’s “Financial Capital.” He argues that the PPP’s “systemic neglect” and “administrative terrorism” over 18 years have left the city’s infrastructure in ruins.
• The PPP Rebuttal: The Sindh Assembly responded on February 21 by passing a landmark resolution declaring Karachi an “integral and inseparable” part of Sindh. CM Murad Ali Shah warned that any move to detach the city would be a “conspiracy against history.”

Allegations of a “Federal Conspiracy”

The friction escalated today with explosive claims from the Sindh provincial cabinet:

• Sharjeel Memon’s Charges: Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon accused the Governor’s House (led by MQM-aligned Kamran Tessori) and certain federal ministers of conspiring to destabilize the provincial government.
• The “Ethnic Politics” Accusal: Nationalist leaders and the PPP have criticized Governor Tessori for using the Governor House as a platform for “ethnic politics” and calls for military/federal control over Karachi.

PM Shehbaz’s Balancing Act

With the IMF mission arriving today, the Prime Minister is desperate to avoid a coalition collapse that could derail economic talks:

• Assurance to Sindh: The PM reassured CM Murad of “complete cooperation,” effectively signaling that the federal government is not officially pursuing the “federal territory” plan.
• The Coalition Factor: PM Shehbaz described the PPP as a “key ally,” emphasizing that harmony among partners is essential for national stability and the continuity of fiscal policies.

Current Political Landscape (Feb 26, 2026)

What’s at Risk?

If the MQM-P continues to push for a constitutional amendment to separate Karachi, it could force the PPP to withdraw support from the federal government, potentially triggering a mid-term election during a fragile economic recovery.

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