Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has strongly demanded the immediate presentation of the 28th Constitutional Amendment in the assembly, linking its approval to national security in the context of the ongoing war in the region.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui announced, “Today we demand that the 28th Amendment be brought to the assembly immediately,” and expressed the commitment that MQM “will stand with the government to save democracy and the government.”
Syed Mustafa Kamal elaborated on the need for the amendment, stating that in the current regional context, it is “needed more than ever.” He argued that Pakistan’s current system, which he said is controlled by four chief ministers, is incapable of governing the country’s 400 cities or solving the energy crisis, and termed these administrative challenges a “national security issue.”
Kamal added that in modern warfare, the civil administration becomes active alongside the army, which means a more robust local structure is needed.
Dr. Farooq Sattar emphasized that the time has come to “transform the country’s feudal democracy into a participatory and inclusive democracy.” He maintained that an “effective and empowered local government system has become indispensable for the country’s survival.”
Sattar reminded the audience that MQM has already presented a formula to make 144 districts and cities of Pakistan self-sufficient and stressed that the fate of the people cannot be decided by only 1200 national and provincial assembly representatives.
Highlighting the importance of Karachi, Dr. Siddiqui described the city as the “guarantor of Pakistan’s economic and strategic strength,” whose peace is the “guarantee of the country’s survival.” He pointed out that the city is an “easy target” for enemies and has representation from every corner of the country.
Siddiqui appealed for national unity, stating that “all nationalities and language speakers of Pakistan should express solidarity with the Pakistan Army.” He called for harmony in the Islamic world and requested scholars of all schools of thought to maintain sectarian peace, warning that “the enemy is conspiring to make you fight on sectarian grounds.”
On local matters, Sattar demanded the full implementation of the Karachi Strategic Development Plan, mentioning that the final hearing on the matter is scheduled for tomorrow at the Sindh High Court.
Addressing the plight of the Gul Plaza victims, Dr. Siddiqui assured them of MQM’s support and declared, “If we have to take to the streets for their rights, we will not hesitate.”
He also criticized the city’s administration, stating that officers often travel to their native areas during holidays, and warned that in emergency situations, their “absence from the city will further add to chaos and anxiety.”
Concluding his remarks, Siddiqui stressed, “Only the people of Pakistan can save Pakistan,” and clarified that “MQM is not a party of professional politicians.”