MQM-P terms new administrative units ‘destiny of Pakistan’

Hyderabad: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) has reaffirmed its belief that the creation of new administrative units will become the 'destiny of Pakistan', stating that this restructuring is now necessary for sustaining the external successes achieved last year. At a Defence Day programme organized by the party's local chapter at Koh-i-Noor Chowk, MQM-P Chairman Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, along with Mustafa Kamal and Dr Farooq Sattar, among other senior leaders, outlined their party's perspective on the matter.

Present was Anis Kaimkhani. Dr Siddiqui argued that the country cannot be divided; only administrative units or provinces can be altered. He emphasized that the process for modifying provincial boundaries is not only stipulated in the Constitution but is also 'demanded' by it. He drew a parallel with pre-1947 Bangladesh, when the province's population rose and consequently, the number of districts increased based on the growing population.

Similarly, provinces should be formed depending on population growth. He clarified that MQM-P is not seeking a province for itself but for Pakistan at large, based on both population and linguistic grounds, to enable representation for Pakistan, which has been the focus of their struggle. He added that when provinces are formed in the country, they will be created in MQM-P areas as well.

He asserted that the MQM-P was instrumental in the 18th Constitutional Amendment only to ensure the transfer of democratic benefits at the grassroots level throughout the country. If MQM-P had not supported it, the PPP and PML-N would still have enacted it. He criticized the amendment for causing an 'accumulation of powers' instead of 'devolution of powers', and the powers were trapped in the hands of jageerdars, who had to be removed from all those spaces where they kept the common man away from genuine freedom.

Dr Siddiqui expressed that Pakistan has always been blessed with regional leadership since its external achievements last year. "Pakistan runs like blood in our veins. We don't need any certificate of patriotism and none had the capacity to demand such a certificate from us," he emphasized. MQM-P Senior Vice Chairman Syed Mustafa Kamal noted that the Mecca Agreement was signed after Pakistan successfully mediated in defusing regional tensions, potentially averting World War-III.

He asserted that Pakistan is leading the region, despite Indian attempts to tarnish its image. He highlighted that while Pakistan has externally made significant gains and bolstered its defense, internal weaknesses persist. He pointed out that children die in gutters due to a lack of anti-rabies vaccine, and people suffer from HIV.

He stated that provinces received Rs8,884bn from the federation this year alone for expenditures, yet a large population remained disenfranchised and resorted to violence. He criticized the army's inability to provide anti-rabies vaccine. Kamal concluded that all these issues stem from poor governance, which has become an embarrassment.

Nonetheless, he affirmed that a formula to save Pakistan and the state has been agreed upon. He called for unity and capitalizing on the present opportunity. Dr Farooq Sattar highlighted the need to discuss the agenda for reforms following last year's Marka-i-Haq, stressing the necessity to bridge the gap between the masses and the government, and transferring decision-making to the people.