Those Opposing New Administrative Units Do Not Recognise Pakistan, Mustafa Kamal Says
KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) leader and Federal Minister Mustafa Kamal has strongly criticised the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) over its opposition to the creation of new administrative units, saying such restructuring would improve governance rather than create violence or division.
Speaking at a press conference, Kamal said the concept of provinces had also been addressed in the Constitution framed during the tenure of former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. He claimed that those opposing new administrative units appeared to be rejecting the idea of Pakistan itself. His remarks come amid MQM-P’s ongoing campaign for administrative restructuring.
Kamal said Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir had not made any official statement regarding the creation of new administrative units, but alleged that senior PPP leaders were nevertheless using his name while making inappropriate remarks. He maintained that establishing a new administrative unit in Sindh would not lead to bloodshed but would instead help improve administrative affairs.
The federal minister also praised Asim Munir, claiming that he was playing an important role in addressing conflicts in Pakistan and abroad, including those involving Europe, the United States, the Middle East, Iran and Afghanistan. Kamal also criticised those using abusive language during the political debate.
Regarding MQM-P’s internal reforms, Kamal said his party had taken action against its founder and former leader after first attempting to persuade him to change his political course. He claimed that few other political parties in Pakistan had demonstrated similar willingness to take such action.
Kamal further criticised the PPP, alleging that it had previously held negotiations in London with individuals whom he accused of involvement in violence. He also alleged that the PPP used the “Sindh card” to deflect attention from corruption allegations.
Discussing conditions in rural Sindh, Kamal said the creation of new provinces or administrative units would, in his view, improve the security and quality of life of Sindhi citizens. He described Sindhis as brothers and said the people of rural areas faced severe deprivation.
He claimed that after crossing Hyderabad, the extent of poverty became evident, alleging that women in some areas had to travel around 12 kilometres carrying water containers on their heads and collect water from sources also used by animals.
MQM-P has repeatedly called for new administrative units, arguing that administrative decentralisation is necessary to improve governance and bring decision-making closer to citizens.
