Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui says that Pakistan is currently governed under a feudal style democracy.
Pakistan’s Muttahida Qaumi Movement President Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui addresses a press conference in Karachi on Wednesday, accompanied by party leader Dr Farooq Sattar and Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal. SCREEN CAPTURE
The Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) on Thursday called on the government to introduce the 28th Amendment to devolve powers to the grassroots level, describing the move as essential to safeguard the country and transform Pakistan’s feudal democracy into a participatory and inclusive system.
MQM-P convenor Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, speaking at a press conference alongside central committee members in Karachi, said Pakistan is currently governed under a feudal-style democracy. Citing Iran’s successful resistance as an example, he stated that one of the reasons for Iranian national unity is Tehran’s municipal government.
Dr Siddiqui said the MQM-P has consistently maintained that those who receive votes have 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 about lockdowns and an economic crisis, it is time to transfer authority to the local levels and prepare accordingly,” he said.
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He noted that the country appears to be ready for this change and that political parties are unlikely to oppose it. However, a small minority (benefiting from city rule, having an artificial majority and influenced by a feudal mentality) is blocking the transfer of authority, powers and resources to the people of Pakistan.
“Pakistan’s highest court 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 accessible 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 on supporting the government. Our demand for devolution of powers is aimed at safeguarding the nation. Only a united Pakistan can support the country in the 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 might face. “Pakistan has been playing a mediating role and we support it. We must remain mentally prepared. The army defending Pakistan is professional, and during war, it is not just 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 support them to save the country. The fire that has been talked about for the last two-three decades has now reached our doorstep,” he said.
Addressing the Gul Plaza tragedy, in which over 80 people were burnt alive and over a thousand shops were destroyed, Siddiqui reiterated his party’s stance and said the MQM-P stands with the victims.
“If we have to take to the streets to defend their rights, we will not hesitate. The city administration goes to their native areas during holidays. Their absence during emergencies will further worsen the disorder and insecurity in the city. Only the people of Pakistan can save the country,” he said.
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Also addressing the media, party leader Dr Farooq Sattar said it was time to transform Pakistan’s feudal democracy into a participatory and inclusive system. “The people must be given the right to decide their own destiny. An effective and empowered local government system has become essential for the survival of the country,” he said.
He added that MQM has proposed a formula to strengthen all 144 districts and cities of Pakistan by demanding that a Strategic Development Plan be fully implemented. “The fate of the people cannot be decided by the 1,200 representatives in the national and provincial assemblies. It must be decided at the grassroots level and can only happen by granting authority if a mayor or city nazim is empowered,” he said.
Health Minister Mustafa Kamal, speaking at the same conference, said the civil administration operates alongside the military in modern warfare. He noted that Pakistan is currently governed by four chief ministers and with more than 400 cities, managing them under the current system is impossible.
He added that controlling the energy crisis is also not feasible without empowered local representatives, calling it a matter of national security. Given the ongoing regional conflicts, he said the constitutional amendment proposed by MQM is more necessary than ever.
