Sindh Government Spokesperson Hits Back at Wasim Akhtar, Says MQM Must Answer for Karachi’s Violent Past

Sindh government spokesperson Saadia Javed has strongly criticised Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) leader Wasim Akhtar over his recent press conference, accusing the party of resorting to ethnic politics and divisive rhetoric whenever it faces political isolation.
In a statement, Javed said MQM was attempting to divert attention from its political failures by promoting ethnic hatred and prejudice. She warned that Sindh’s unity would not be compromised and rejected any calls for dividing the province.
“Those dreaming of dividing Sindh must remember that there will be no compromise on the province’s unity,” she said.
Javed argued that while MQM-P leaders were raising questions about Sindh’s unity, the party itself had experienced factionalism and internal divisions. She said the party should explain its own history of internal conflicts and allegations among its leaders.
Sindh’s Unity Cannot Be Compromised
The provincial government spokesperson said any attempt to create confrontation between the federal and Sindh governments or fuel ethnic tensions would be met with a strong political response.
She described Akhtar’s press conference as an attempt to divert public attention from MQM’s political shortcomings rather than address issues affecting ordinary citizens.
Responding to Akhtar’s criticism of merit and governance in Sindh, Javed challenged MQM leaders to answer questions about Karachi’s past, including allegations of bodies found in sacks, extortion, China cutting and illegal occupation of land.
“Those lecturing others on merit should also answer for Karachi’s bitter past of violence, extortion, China cutting and land grabbing,” she said.
Education Must Remain Free from Ethnic Politics
Javed said Karachi residents wanted to know what the city had gained from periods marked by ethnic politics, fear and unrest.
She also rejected any attempt to turn educational institutions into arenas for ethnic political disputes, describing Sindh’s universities as centres of education and peace.
She said the Sindh government would not compromise on university autonomy, academic integrity or students’ rights.
Her remarks came after Akhtar raised allegations of irregularities involving academic qualifications, recruitment and appointments at universities in Sindh, including Shah Abdul Latif University and the University of Karachi.
Government Defends Merit in Public Employment
The spokesperson said the Sindh government remained committed to merit-based recruitment and transparency in public-sector employment.
She maintained that every eligible young person in Sindh was entitled to equal employment opportunities without discrimination.
Javed also rejected what she described as outdated attempts to divide citizens along the lines of urban and rural Sindh, saying such divisions would not serve the public interest.
She said the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) believed in development and public service, adding that accusations and provocative statements could not substitute for facts.
The exchange highlights renewed political tensions between the PPP-led Sindh government and MQM-P over Karachi’s governance, public-sector recruitment, university administration and proposals for establishing new administrative units.
While Akhtar has argued that Karachi’s population and governance challenges require a new administrative structure, the Sindh government spokesperson has reiterated her opposition to divisive politics and stressed the province’s territorial unity.