The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) on Sunday slammed a Sindh Assembly resolution passed against the creation of a separate Karachi province as “unconstitutional,” asserting that Article 239 of the 1973 Constitution allows for the creation of new provinces.
A day earlier, the provincial assembly had adopted the resolution against creating a new Karachi province, declaring the metropolis an “integral part” of Sindh. The resolution was supported by lawmakers of both treasury and opposition benches, including the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
Presenting the resolution, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah had cited Article 239 of the Constitution, requiring the consent of at least two-thirds of a provincial assembly prior to the alteration of any provincial boundaries.
Addressing a press conference alongside several other party leaders, MQM-P Chairman Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui alleged the Sindh Assembly had passed a “resolution against the Constitution of Pakistan.” The party leader, who is also the federal education minister, noted Article 48(6) of the Constitution allows for a referendum on such issues.
“The PPP has passed this resolution under the shadow of some fear,” he alleged, adding that a province was acting as if it was above the Constitution of Pakistan. He also referred to alleged rigging in the 2024 general elections, claiming the PPP had “taken control” of Sindh through an “artificial majority.” He further lamented that the ruling PPP had failed to devolve powers as envisaged by the 18th Amendment and was not even granting powers to its own mayor in Karachi. “We have entered a crucial juncture, and we have to decide,” he warned, though did not give details on what he was referring to.
Stressing that dialogue could evolve solutions, he maintained that the MQM-P seeks to live in peace. “Sindh is the most multilingual province in Pakistan, and injustice has been happening in urban areas for the last 20 years,” he claimed.
The MQM-P has been repeatedly demanding the federal government declare Karachi a “federal territory,” claiming the PPP’s provincial government has failed to govern properly.