MQM-P Calls for Referendum on New Administrative Units, Proposes All-Parties Conference

Karachi: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) has called for a public referendum on the creation of new administrative units in the country and proposed convening an All-Parties Conference (APC) to build consensus on the issue.

Addressing a press conference at the party’s temporary headquarters in Bahadurabad, Federal Minister for Education and MQM-P Convener Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said that the Constitution of Pakistan provides a mechanism for the creation of new provinces, adding that describing the issue as an act of disloyalty was unjustified.

He said Pakistan is the only indivisible entity, while provinces are administrative units and can be reorganized in accordance with constitutional procedures where necessary.

Dr. Siddiqui said MQM-P believes provinces should be established on administrative rather than linguistic grounds to improve governance and public service delivery.

He added that the party had already introduced a constitutional amendment bill in the National Assembly regarding the issue, which has been referred to the relevant standing committee.

The MQM-P leader also stressed the importance of empowered local governments, arguing that democracy cannot deliver meaningful benefits without devolving authority to the grassroots level.

He criticized corruption, calling it a major obstacle to Pakistan’s economic and social development, and urged accountability for those responsible for the country’s governance challenges.

Discussing Independence Month celebrations, Dr. Siddiqui announced that MQM-P would organize flag-hoisting ceremonies, rallies, cultural events, and a national poetry gathering throughout August, with the main Independence Day celebrations scheduled for the night of August 13.

Meanwhile, senior MQM-P leader Dr. Farooq Sattar said a recent gathering of traders and industrialists in Islamabad supported the party’s long-standing position on administrative reforms.

He called for the full implementation of Article 140-A of the Constitution to ensure the transfer of powers and resources to local governments.

Farooq Sattar also demanded that a nationwide referendum be held under Article 48(6) of the Constitution on the issue of creating new administrative provinces and reiterated the proposal for a national All-Parties Conference to discuss political and administrative reforms.

He argued that Pakistan’s political and economic challenges require broad national dialogue and structural reforms, saying that the existing governance system is no longer capable of meeting the country’s needs.