Speakers at MQM-P event call for new provinces, say existing structure failed to deliver effective governance

Karachi, Pakistan - At an event organized by MQM-P, political leaders, former Karachi mayors, business representatives, and civil society figures called for the creation of smaller administrative units or new provinces, arguing that the existing provincial structure has failed to deliver effective governance. Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Federal Education Minister and MQM-P Chairman, stated that the demand for a province in urban Sindh predates his party's formation and aims to create administrative units rather than weaken Pakistan.

MQM-P leader Dr Farooq Sattar proposed dividing Sindh into several administrative regions and granting Karachi special administrative status, while former finance minister Miftah Ismail suggested continuing the current system, empowering local governments, or creating new administrative units. Business leaders Rehan Hanif and Atiq Mir emphasized the need for a governance structure capable of addressing Karachi's growing infrastructure and civic needs, suggesting that Karachi should be a separate administrative unit.

Former bureaucrat and lawyer Shahab Imam criticized the fragmented taxation system and the lack of local representation in recruitment and administrative appointments.