MQM-P calls for review of 28th Amendment, pushes for empowered LGs

KARACHI: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) on Wednesday urged authorities to revisit the proposed 28th Constitutional Amendment, calling for revisions to safeguard citizens’ rights, strengthen democracy, and address long-standing governance issues.

Addressing a press conference, MQM-P Chairman Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, flanked by senior leaders Mustafa Kamal and Farooq Sattar, said the amendment should be carefully reviewed and, if required, amended to ensure a decisive and timely resolution of political challenges.

He noted that the current political climate appeared conducive for such reforms, with relatively muted opposition from political parties compared to previous constitutional changes. Siddiqui stressed that once passed, lawmakers must clearly communicate that the amendment serves national interests rather than partisan goals.

Farooq Sattar underscored the need to transition from what he termed a “feudal democracy” to a more inclusive, participatory system. He called for robust local government structures across the country, particularly in Karachi, arguing that empowering cities to make their own decisions would drive development, stability, and national cohesion.

Echoing these concerns, Mustafa Kamal linked constitutional reform with national security, warning that weak local governance could create vulnerabilities amid an increasingly tense regional environment. He emphasised that strengthening civil administration alongside military preparedness was essential to counter both internal instability and external threats.

The MQM-P leaders maintained that devolving authority to district-level governments would not only improve service delivery but also reinforce Pakistan’s unity and territorial integrity.

The press conference comes in the wake of recent political friction following the removal of Kamran Tessori as Sindh governor earlier this month. He was replaced by Nehal Hashmi, a move that drew sharp criticism from MQM-P, which said it had not been consulted.

Tessori suggested his removal may have been linked to his activism on issues such as the Gul Plaza controversy and the ‘Karachi Bachao Conference’, though he stopped short of naming those responsible, saying he would remain politically restrained in the broader national interest.

MQM-P has since hinted at charting its future political course, as tensions with the federal government continue to simmer over representation and governance issues in Sindh.