KARACHI: In a strongly worded press conference held in Karachi on Wednesday, MQM Pakistan leadership has demanded the immediate introduction of the 28th Constitutional Amendment, accusing the federal government of obstructing the devolution of powers and resources to local governments through an “artificial majority.”
The party, led by Chairman Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, declared its readiness to support the government — but only if the amendment is tabled and enacted without delay.
Siddiqui, flanked by senior party leaders including Mustafa Kamal, stated that the 28th Amendment must restore constitutional rights to the people, particularly under Article 140A, which he said should not be criminalized.
“If implementing Article 140A is a crime, then we are all guilty,” he declared, urging the transfer of authority to local bodies as a constitutional imperative, and emphasizing that Karachi — “the main artery of Pakistan’s economy” — cannot be safeguarded without empowering its local governance structures.
Citing current Middle East situation, the MQM leadership warned of external threats exploiting internal divisions, stating, “The war talked about for the last 30–40 years has now reached our doorstep.” He praised the Pakistani military’s role in national defense but stressed that “the entire nation must fight this war — not just the army.” He called for unity among all nationalities and linguistic groups, warning that “Karachi is the easiest target for the enemy if chaos is allowed to fester.”
Speaking on this occasion, fedearl minister and MQM leader Mustafa Kamal urged upon the nation to prepare for crises and thwart “enemy intentions,” adding, “Only the people of Pakistan can save democracy and the country.”
MQM also demanded the Prime Minister convene an urgent consultation with all stakeholders to adopt a clear national strategy and implement the long-delayed *Karachi Strategic Development Plan- — asserting that no mayor can be held accountable without being granted real authority.
