Karachi (Web Desk): The Muttahida Qaumi Movement–Pakistan (MQM-P) has reignited its long-standing demand for the creation of a new province in Sindh, citing constitutional provisions that outline conditions under which new provinces can be formed.
The announcement comes amid growing political discussions around a potential 28th constitutional amendment.
The party clarified that its proposed amendment, originally aimed at empowering local governments, will now be pursued as the 28th amendment. MQM-P described the effort as a “national initiative,” stressing that it is not limited to Karachi but intended as a reform benefiting the entire country, with implementation expected in the coming months.
Earlier, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah said in Chiniot that the 28th amendment could address a range of public concerns—including local bodies, population management, the National Finance Commission, and healthcare—provided there is sufficient political agreement.
At a press conference in Karachi, MQM-P leaders, joined by Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, once again raised the issue of creating new provinces and strengthening local governments.
Education Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui emphasized that the constitution itself envisages the formation of additional provinces whenever population growth and administrative needs justify it, referencing Article 239.
Article 239 specifies that the creation of a new province requires a two-thirds majority in both houses of Parliament as well as in the provincial assembly of the area concerned. Siddiqui argued that failing to act on this constitutional provision constitutes a “betrayal,” noting that the right to form new provinces has existed since the era of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.
He criticized the selective application of constitutional provisions, remarking that Pakistan’s rulers uniquely choose which articles to follow, unlike governments in other democracies.
Siddiqui also pointed to the dominance of landowners and feudal elites in Pakistan’s political system, arguing that such structures hinder education, development, and genuine democratic governance.
Highlighting the importance of local governance, he noted that in developed democracies, the third tier of government is the most empowered and effective.
He stressed that MQM-P’s demands are driven not by self-interest but by a desire to secure the constitutional rights of citizens. “Democracy is meaningless if its benefits cannot reach ordinary people,” he added.
Siddiqui concluded by urging that the Karachi mayor be granted real authority, on par with mayors in other major cities, noting that MQM-P currently does not control any level of government.