Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) leader and Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal has called for Karachi to be declared a federal territory.
He stated that the move is necessary under Articles 148 and 149 of the Constitution, emphasizing that the city’s governance cannot remain under the Sindh government’s control.
Addressing a press conference at Bahadurabad, Kamal said, “Enough is enough. Karachi cannot be left at the mercy of the Sindh government.”
He urged the federal government to intervene, warning that Karachi’s financial stability and public safety are at risk.
Reaction to Gul Plaza Tragedy
The demand follows the deadly Gul Plaza fire, which exposed gaps in local disaster management and fire safety enforcement.
Kamal questioned, “How many more accidents must we endure? How many more bodies must be recovered? How many more children will fall into open drains and die?”
He described the situation as “democratic terrorism in Sindh” and called for immediate action to restore law, order, and safety.
Kamal criticized the PPP-led government, saying, “This city was not always like this. You ruled while waiting for disasters to occur, shifting blame instead of solving problems.”
He highlighted past governance failures, noting that PPP ministers previously traveled to London amid Karachi’s lawlessness instead of ensuring local safety.
18th Amendment Under Fire
Kamal condemned the 18th Amendment, claiming it has been misused for political control rather than public welfare.
He stated, “The powers conferred under the 18th Amendment are being used for genocide instead of welfare. This amendment has become a cancer for the country and should be abolished immediately.”
Political Perspectives on Local Governance
Meanwhile, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, suggested that the 18th Amendment could be improved through consensus rather than abolished.
He stressed that empowering district governments is constitutionally required for effective service delivery.
Sanaullah explained, “People’s problems cannot be resolved until local governments are strengthened and empowered.”
He added that constitutional provisions allow for improvement, reinforcing the need for dialogue among political stakeholders.
Public Safety and Administrative Urgency
The MQM-P’s demand highlights ongoing concerns over public safety, disaster preparedness, and administrative oversight in Karachi.
The Gul Plaza incident has intensified scrutiny of Sindh’s governance and reignited debates on whether Karachi should be brought under federal control.
Conclusion
As Karachi grapples with safety crises and administrative inefficiencies, MQM-P’s call for federal oversight underscores the urgency of structural reforms.
The debate over the city’s status is likely to dominate political discussions, with public safety and governance efficiency at the forefront.
