Farooq Sattar Criticizes Neglect of Karachi Despite Major Tax Contributions

MQM-Pakistan leader Farooq Sattar has criticized the federal and provincial governments for failing to address Karachi’s longstanding infrastructure and governance issues despite the city’s significant contribution to the national economy.

Speaking in the National Assembly, Sattar said that out of Rs1,300 billion collected in taxes, approximately Rs1,100 billion comes from Karachi, yet the city continues to suffer from broken roads and poor civic facilities. He alleged that a corrupt government has remained in power in Sindh for the past 18 years.

The MQM leader questioned the state of economic development across the country, saying that if Karachi is not benefiting from export growth, conditions in other cities are likely to be even worse. He also warned that the closure of industries is forcing businesses to relocate to Gulf countries.

Sattar further noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif did not mention Karachi in his speech. Referring to federal allocations for Sindh, he said that the Rs2,100 billion being provided to the province should be distributed among mayors of different cities rather than being concentrated in a single area.

He also called for constitutional reforms to strengthen local governments, stating that MQM-Pakistan supported the 26th and 27th constitutional amendments but now faces resistance when seeking greater autonomy for local bodies. Sattar emphasized that local government institutions must be granted constitutional independence to effectively serve the public.