Former Sindh Governor Dr. Ishrat ul Ebad Khan has called for a new constitutional amendment to establish a strong local government system, suggesting the Pervez Musharraf-era model be implemented nationwide to address the current “decayed” and failed systems, which he claims have turned cities like Karachi into ruins.
Addressing the organizing committees of his “Meri Pehchan Pakistan” (MPP) movement via video link this morning, Dr. Ebad stressed that the 18th Amendment has failed to provide relief to people at the grassroots level. He pointed to the delay in local government elections in Punjab and condemned Sindh’s system, stating it has “devoured cities,” citing Karachi’s dilapidated roads and severe water shortages as clear examples of its demise.
He suggested that the federation either introduce a “28th Amendment” or endorse the previous city government structure, which he praised for empowering communities through Citizen Community Boards (CCBs). He said such a system of public participation in power would ensure development across Pakistan, adding that any flaws in the former model could be addressed.
The former governor termed unemployment the “root of all problems” and declared it imperative for the government to create opportunities for youth through modern education, especially in the IT sector. He urged all provincial governments to launch free IT education programs, like the one previously run from the Governor House in Sindh.
Dr. Ebad linked national economic stability and freedom from IMF loans to a disciplined political transformation where “civility becomes the norm” and blackmailing ends. He credited the current government and military leadership’s diplomacy with improving the international standing of the Pakistani passport.
He appealed to citizens to reject linguistic and sectarian prejudices and to stand with the country’s armed forces to counter anti-state activities. He described “Meri Pehchan Pakistan” as a patriotic ideology and directed its central committee to hold online meetings in every area to become the “voice of the people.”
Dr. Ebad told officials that he is currently observing an “austerity drive” but intends to begin public gatherings once conditions improve.