THE MQM’s decision to join the Sindh government is not altogether surprising. The love-hate relationship that it enjoys with the PPP has seen the Muttahida joining and then exiting the provincial government several times in the past. Clearly, the PPP, which enjoys a comfortable majority in the provincial legislature, did not need the MQM seats when the latter party returned to the treasury benches on Tuesday. But former president Asif Zardari — for reasons not entirely clear — had reportedly worked hard to bring the MQM back into the fold. It should be recalled that during the PPP’s last government in Sindh, the MQM came and went a number of times. It left the treasury benches on a variety of pretexts. And in the days since last year’s general elections, relations between the two parties have been less than cordial. However, the nature of politics in Sindh is such that while the PPP has a commanding presence in the rural hinterland, the MQM holds sway in urban Sindh, especially in cities located in the lower part of the province. So, keeping the political realities of the province in mind, the formation of the coalition should be welcomed.

Speaking after two MQM lawmakers took oath as ministers on Tuesday, Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah commented that together both parties could serve the province better. We sincerely hope this is the outcome of this political development. As most indicators show, the province is lagging behind when it comes to development, while the law and order situation in both cities and the interior is deplorable. The PPP and MQM must put aside politicking and work towards addressing the issues that ail Sindh so that good governance can be delivered to its people. To enable this, the PPP must not use its numbers in the provincial assembly to browbeat the MQM and steamroll legislation. For its part, the Muttahida must not act like an opposition party while enjoying the fruits of power. If they make up their minds in earnest, Sindh’s two major political forces can work for the welfare of the whole province and alleviate poverty, crime and corruption, which are among the main impediments standing in the way of the province’s progress.