MQM Demands 28th Constitutional Amendment to Empower Local Governments, Flags Concerns Over Sindh Governor Change
Islamabad: MQM Pakistan has formally demanded the introduction of the 28th Constitutional Amendment to strengthen local governments and grant them financial and administrative autonomy. An MQM delegation held a high-level meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss Karachi’s local governance issues and ongoing development projects.
The meeting at the Prime Minister’s House included MQM leaders Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Dr. Farooq Sattar, Mustafa Kamal, and former Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori. On the government side, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Ahsan Iqbal, Azam Nazir Tarar, Rana Sanaullah, and current Sindh Governor Nehal Hashmi were present.
Key Highlights:
28th Constitutional Amendment: MQM emphasized that the amendment is crucial for empowering local governments with greater fiscal and administrative authority, describing it as a timely necessity given regional dynamics.
Governor Sindh Change: Dr. Farooq Sattar reportedly expressed reservations over replacing Kamran Tessori with Nehal Hashmi as Governor of Sindh, highlighting concerns about political balance in the province.
Karachi Development Projects: The delegation discussed accelerating ongoing federal development initiatives in Karachi and ensuring timely release of funds.
Prime Minister’s Assurance: Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged the legitimacy of MQM’s demands and directed Governor Nehal Hashmi to address any concerns, promising another detailed meeting next week to review the proposed amendment.
Political analysts note that if the government approves the 28th Amendment, it could mark a transformative shift in Pakistan’s local governance system and a major political victory for MQM.
