ISLAMABAD — With discussions on the 28th Amendment gaining momentum, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement–Pakistan (MQM-P) has once again pressed its long-standing call for a new province in Sindh, unveiling plans for a public mobilisation campaign and legal steps to “secure constitutional rights” for urban residents. Addressing a press conference in Karachi along with the party's top leadership on Thursday, MQM-P convener Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui warned that if parliament and the courts fail to deliver justice, the party would "take the struggle to the streets".
Discussions regarding the 28th Amendment are underway, with Prime Minister's Adviser on Political and Public Affairs Rana Sanaullah saying that it would be tabled once a consensus is achieved. He added that the proposed amendment would relate to local bodies, the National Finance Commission (NFC) and health matters. Speaking to reporters, Siddiqui — who is also the federal education minister — said the demand for a new province is not MQM-P’s alone but a "constitutional requirement", citing Article 239 that allows the creation of new provinces and districts.
"A province is an administrative unit — it must grow with population. This is the Constitution’s demand, not MQM-P’s,” he said. "Karachi’s 17-year-long occupation must now end,” he said, adding that Pakistan suffers from a "feudal democracy" where those who contribute "100% are denied even 1% authority".