MQM-P Demands New Province in Sindh Amid Constitutional Debate

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) has renewed its long-standing call for the creation of a new province in Sindh, announcing plans for a public mobilization campaign and legal action to secure constitutional rights for urban residents. Speaking at a press conference in Karachi, MQM-P convener and Federal Minister for Education Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui warned that the party is prepared to take its struggle to the streets if parliament and the judiciary fail to deliver justice to the people of urban Sindh.

The demand comes amid growing political discussions surrounding the proposed 28th Amendment to the Constitution of Pakistan. Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs Rana Sanaullah recently indicated that the 28th Amendment would be tabled in parliament once political consensus is achieved, with key provisions expected to focus on local bodies, health sector reforms, and the National Finance Commission award.

Siddiqui asserted that establishing a new province in Sindh is a constitutional necessity rather than solely an MQM-P initiative. Citing Article 239 of the Constitution, which governs the creation of new provinces and administrative districts, he stated that administrative units must expand alongside population growth. He criticized the existing political structure, characterizing it as a feudal democracy where urban centers like Karachi contribute fully to national revenue yet receive minimal authority and resource allocation in return.

Highlighting ongoing civic challenges, the MQM-P leader called for an immediate end to the long-standing administrative neglect of Karachi, questioning official population statistics and the management of the city's urban planning. Siddiqui emphasized that his party supports the full implementation of the 18th Amendment, particularly Article 140-A, which mandates the establishment of empowered local governments. He also questioned why political leaders opposing new administrative divisions in Sindh do not apply the same standard to the division of Punjab.

Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori supported the call, stating that while MQM-P has secured financial and development packages for Karachi and Hyderabad, genuine relief for citizens can only be achieved when the party governs the province. Tessori reiterated his commitment to addressing broken infrastructure and municipal grievances, emphasizing that he considers himself an MQM worker primary to his gubernatorial role.

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