Sharjeel Memon says Karachi belongs to all, not one party

KARACHI: Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said on Sunday that Karachi cannot be claimed by any one political party, describing it instead as Pakistan’s economic centre and the capital of Sindh.

His remarks came in response to a statement by MQM-P chief Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui. Memon said Karachi before the rise of MQM was known for normal civic life rather than violence and fear. He said the city had not been marked by extortion, killings over hides, bodies found in sacks or prejudice based on language.

Referring to the city’s past, Memon said residents were fully aware of what had happened in Karachi over the years and could distinguish between those who brought peace and those linked to violence. He also rejected what he called attempts to monopolise credit for the city’s development.

The senior minister said the Sindh government was working on Karachi’s issues through practical steps rather than slogans or political showmanship. He said major development schemes were under way across the city and maintained that the visible progress in Karachi was the result of efforts by the Pakistan Peoples Party. Memon added that Karachi is not a city of division and hatred, but a Mini Pakistan founded on peace, unity and development.