MQM-P says will be approaching other parties to set off 'grand national dialogue' on new provinces

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) has announced its intention to convene a "grand national dialogue" with other political parties to discuss the establishment of new provinces in Pakistan. At a press conference in Karachi, MQM-P Chairman Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui emphasized the need for such a dialogue, stating that the current provinces of the country were not created in accordance with all legal and linguistic merits.

Siddiqui argued that the growing population of Pakistan necessitated the creation of new administrative units. He expressed gratitude that various political parties and groups have supported the MQM-P's long-standing demand for additional provinces. He stated that the purpose of the press conference was to convey to the public that, "regardless of your political demands, start a dialogue with each other."

The MQM-P is not limited to seeking new provinces in Sindh but aims to address the issue nationwide. Siddiqui highlighted Article 140-A, which mandates provinces to devolve political, administrative, and financial responsibilities to elected local representatives. His party had participated in the 18th Amendment to enable citizens to benefit from democracy through Article 140-A but lamented its failure to be implemented.

The party moved the Supreme Court on this matter, which issued a detailed ruling applicable across the country.

Siddiqui emphasized that the demand for stronger local governance was not exclusive to the MQM-P but had become a "need" for Pakistan. He reiterated that the implementation of Article 140-A was not limited to the MQM-P but was a "constitutional requirement." He questioned the legality of the creation of additional provinces, asking how it could be considered a "sin and an act of treason" when mentioned in the Constitution.

Siddiqui acknowledged that the creation of administrative units was not equivalent to the division of Sindh. He recounted how Sindh was built by Sindhi brothers who welcomed the MQM-P, and the party would remember their love. MQM-P leader and Health Minister Mustafa Kamal clarified that the call for administrative units was not about division but an administrative rearrangement aimed at improving governance.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had proposed this idea last month, urging political parties to address national issues, including the creation of new provinces, as a solution to the country's collapsing condition.