KARACHI: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday met the leadership of the Muttahida Qaumi MovementPakistan (MQM-P) where key concerns of the party, particularly the 28th Amendment, local government empowerment, and development needs in urban Sindh, were discussed.

The MQM-P delegation, led by party Chairman Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, and comprised Mustafa Kamal, DrFarooq Sattar, Ameen-ul-Haq, Faisal Sabzwari and former Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, while Deputy PM Ishaq Dar, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and Rana Sanaullah were also present.

Sharing details of the meeting, Mr Sabzwari told Dawn that the MQM-P underscored the urgent need for the proposed 28th amendment, emphasising its significance as a national imperative rather than a localised issue.

He said that the party`s leadership also reiterated that empow-ering local governments was pivotal to the country`s progress, stability and unity.

He further said that the party leadership also urged the prime minister to expedite development packages and schemes for the urban parts of Sindh. He added that the prime minister agreed to hold a meeting with coalition partners to address their concerns.

Earlier, the prime minister visited the residence of Pakistan Peoples Party leader Senator Sherry Rehman to express condolences on the passing away ofher daughter, Marvi Malik.

Those present at the meeting includedDeputyPrimeMinister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Sindh Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah, Governor Sindh Nehal Hashmi, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, and Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar.

Later, the prime minister visited the Zardari House to congratulate the PPP Women Wing Central President Faryal Talpur and MNA Mir Munawar Talpuron their daughter`s marriage.

On his arrival in the city, the prime minister was received at the airport by the Sindh Governor, chief ministers and others.

Meanwhile, informed sources said that he praised Mr Tessori`s tenure, saying he was an `extremely active` governor who undertook significant welfare and public initiatives in Sindh.

The sources said that the PM attributed the change in Sindh`s governorship to political considerations.