KARACHI: With discussions intensifying around the proposed 28th Constitutional Amendment, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement–Pakistan (MQM-P) has revived its longstanding demand for a new province in Sindh, unveiling a public mobilisation campaign and legal measures to secure constitutional rights for the province’s urban population.
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Speaking at a press conference on Thursday alongside the party’s senior leadership, MQM-P convener and Federal Education Minister Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui warned that if parliament and the courts fail to deliver justice, the party would “take the struggle to the streets”.
Government officials have indicated that consensus-building is underway. Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs Rana Sanaullah has said the amendment will be presented once lawmakers agree on its provisions, which are expected to deal with local bodies, the National Finance Commission (NFC) and health-related matters.
Siddiqui argued that the creation of a new province is not merely MQM-P’s preference but a constitutional issue. Citing Article 239, he said the Constitution explicitly allows adjustments in administrative structures, including new districts and provinces.
“A province is an administrative unit — it must grow with population. This is the Constitution’s demand, not MQM-P’s,” he said, adding that “Karachi’s 17-year-long occupation must now end.”
He criticised what he termed Pakistan’s “feudal democracy”, saying that those who contribute “100% are denied even 1% authority”. He also questioned Karachi’s population figures and what the city receives in return, alleging that its future was being undermined and its master plan “turned into corruption”.
Siddiqui challenged those opposing new provinces in Sindh to clarify whether they hold the same stance regarding Punjab. He praised the Punjab Assembly for referencing Article 140-A and said empowered local governments were essential for genuine development.
Reiterating MQM-P’s commitment to public welfare, Siddiqui said the party views Pakistan as a mother and Sindh as an integral part. “Development’s enemies are rejected,” he declared, stressing that the MQM-P would continue its pursuit of fair administrative structures and empowered urban governance.
He criticised attempts to curtail local government authority, saying Karachi and Hyderabad’s issues remain unresolved despite repeated interventions by the party within assemblies and the government. “We struggled for Karachi’s master plan; we will continue to beautify and rebuild the city,” he added.
Responding to criticisms that MQM-P claims credit for others’ development projects, he said: “We are not in the business of hijacking achievements,” noting that MQM-P lawmakers were actively monitoring ongoing projects.
Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori said the MQM-P had “fought for Karachi and Hyderabad and secured the package”, but asserted that real progress would come only when the party “governs the province”. He described himself as “first an MQM worker, then the governor”, vowing to ensure practical implementation of Siddiqui’s demands.
