Sharjeel Memon: Sindh minister accuses MQM of using political blackmail over Karachi

KARACHI: Senior Sindh Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has strongly criticised MQM-P leader Dr Farooq Sattar’s recent remarks, accusing the party of resorting to “shortcut politics” instead of seeking public support through elections.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Memon said MQM was attempting to use demands for federal intervention as a form of political pressure, which he described as evidence of political blackmail.

He claimed the party had lost the confidence of the public and was now trying to regain influence through political manoeuvring rather than the democratic process.

Sharjeel Memon said Karachi’s resources should not be used as a bargaining tool for political interests. He also described calls for greater federal involvement in Sindh’s affairs as a conspiracy against the country’s federal structure.

“The people of Sindh have given a clear mandate to the Pakistan Peoples Party, and that mandate cannot be changed through press conferences, threats or political blackmail,” he said.

The senior minister added that Sindh, the 1973 Constitution and the public mandate should not become targets of political campaigns whenever a party’s influence declines.

Responding to MQM’s criticism, Memon said that if the party wanted a greater share in power, it should secure it through the people’s vote. He also questioned why MQM had failed to fulfil its commitments to Karachi despite being part of the federal government.

He urged Dr Farooq Sattar to hold his federal allies accountable instead of blaming the Sindh government for what he described as the party’s own shortcomings.

Memon reaffirmed that the Sindh government would not compromise on the province’s constitutional rights, provincial autonomy or the democratic mandate of Karachi’s residents.