Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui says Pakistan is currently run under a feudal style democracy
Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan Chairman Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, addressing a press conference in Karachi on Wednesday, accompanied by senior party leader Dr. Farooq Sattar and Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal. SCREEN GRAB
The Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) on Thursday urged the government to introduce the 28th Amendment to devolve powers to the grassroots level, describing the move as crucial to protecting the country and transforming Pakistan’s feudal democracy into a participatory and inclusive system.
MQM-P convener, Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, addressing a press conference along with members of the Central Committee in Karachi, said that Pakistan is currently ruled under a feudal democracy. Citing Iran’s successful resistance as an example, he said one reason for Iranian national unity is the municipal government in Tehran.
Dr. Siddiqui said MQM-P has consistently maintained that those who take votes bear a greater responsibility than those who cast them, but feudal democracy, dynastic politics and hereditary power do not consider it necessary in Pakistan.
“We had hoped that the 28th Amendment would devolve powers to local bodies, but this did not happen. Now, with discussions of shutdowns and an economic crisis, it is time to devolve authority to local levels and prepare accordingly,” he said.
Read: PM seeks to cool temper amid escalating PPP-MQM row
He noted that the country seems ready for this change and political parties are unlikely to oppose it. However, a small minority – enjoying the dominance of the city, having an artificial majority and influenced by a feudal mindset – are blocking the transfer of authority, powers and resources to the people of Pakistan.
“The Supreme Court of Pakistan had ruled in favor of the MQM-P leadership’s request. The prime minister should explain what the MQM-P demanded for the continuity of democracy. We did not demand anything for ourselves; we only asked that the constitution of Pakistan be made available to the people,” he added.
Dr. Siddiqui urged all political parties and the government through the media to introduce the 28th Amendment. “Give us an answer so that we can take a final decision to stand with the government. Our demand for devolution of powers is aimed at protecting the nation. Only a united Pakistan can stand with the country at war,” he said.
He further said that the government had played an active role after the war, but warned that it was too early to predict the challenges Pakistan may face. “Pakistan has played a role of mediator and we stand with it. We have to remain mentally prepared. The army defending Pakistan is professional and in wartime it is not only the army but the entire nation that fights,” Siddiqui added.
He warned that if an enemy decided to inflict damage, Karachi would be the first target. “Karachi cannot be left in this state and Pakistan’s security cannot be guaranteed. If the government accepts our demands, we will stand with it to save the country. The fire that has been talked about for the last two to three decades has now reached our doorstep,” he said.
Speaking about the Gul Plaza tragedy in which over 80 people were burnt alive and more than a thousand shops were destroyed, Siddiqui reiterated his party’s stand and said the MQM-P stands with the victims.
“If we have to take to the streets for their rights, we will not hesitate. The city administration leaves for their native areas during holidays. Their absence during emergencies will further aggravate the disorder and insecurity in the city. Only the people of Pakistan can save the country,” he said.
Also read: CM asks MQM-P to ‘talk’ on federal control demand
Also to the press, senior party leader Dr. Farooq Sattar that it was time to transform Pakistan’s feudal democracy into a participatory and inclusive system. “The people should have the right to determine their own destiny. An effective and empowered local government system has become essential to the country’s survival,” he said.
He added that MQM has proposed a formula to empower all 144 districts and cities of Pakistan and demands a strategic development plan to be fully implemented. “The fate of the people cannot be decided by the 1,200 representatives in the national and provincial assemblies. It should be decided at the grassroots level and that can only be done by giving authority if a mayor or city nazim is empowered,” he said.
Health Minister Mustafa Kamal, speaking at the same conference, said that civil administration operates alongside the military in modern warfare. He noted that Pakistan is currently governed by four chief ministers and with over 400 cities, it is impossible to govern them under the current system.
He added that it is also impossible to control the energy crisis without empowered local representatives, calling it a national security issue. Considering the ongoing regional conflicts, he said MQM’s proposed constitutional amendment is more necessary than ever.
