Farooq Sattar Calls for Administrative Unit in Karachi, Demands Greater Federal Role

Karachi: Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) senior leader Farooq Sattar has demanded the creation of an administrative unit for Karachi and urged that the city be placed under greater federal oversight.

Addressing a press conference in Karachi, Sattar said that an agreement regarding the development of Karachi was signed between the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and MQM in 2022, which was also endorsed by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. However, he claimed that despite repeated reminders, the agreement has not been implemented.

He stated that this would be MQM’s final agreement with the PPP regarding the issue, adding that no additional powers were being demanded but insisted that the Prime Minister should play a role in ensuring its implementation, otherwise the party would be forced to launch protests.

Farooq Sattar alleged that corruption and mismanagement were widespread across the country, leaving citizens deprived of basic rights and facing severe hardships.

He further criticized the existing local government framework, saying that a properly designed local body system could resolve many of these issues. He also opposed the quota system, claiming that it has been incorporated into the constitution and is not being implemented fairly, alleging misuse of domicile certificates and job allocations.

Calling on the federal government to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities, Sattar said that the country was being run outside the constitutional framework. While he did not demand governor’s rule, he suggested holding a referendum and establishing an administrative unit under federal control for Karachi.

He warned that MQM may take to the streets if demands are not addressed, adding that preparations for protests are underway and urged authorities not to wait until the situation escalates.