ISLAMABAD: A delegation of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) will meet Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday to discuss the ongoing operation against criminals in Karachi, a spokesperson for the prime minister told Dawn.

The MQM had sought an audience with the prime minister during his daylongtriptoKarachionWednesday, but their efforts remained unfulfilled.

The MQM leaders during a media tall< had expressed their disappointment over the prime minister`s refusal to see them.

Absence of Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad from a meeting on law and order on Wednesday added to the anxiety of the party.

Since the Rangers` raid on MQM`s headquarters earlier this month the party had been looking for a detailed meeting with the prime minister.

However, for some unexplained reasons, the prime minister remained unavailable to the MQM leadership.

When asked, a senior PML-N leader said there was no particular reason to avoid the MQM. `As far as the Karachi operation is concerned, there is nothing to hide as to who is conducting it and on whose behest. Instead of us, the MQM should focus on the PPP which is holding the charge of the provincial government.

He said the PPP leadership had expressed satisfaction over the Karachi operation, and after the 18th Amendment it`s a provincial subject.