The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) has called for the urgent inclusion of Article 140-A in the proposed 28th constitutional amendment, aiming to empower local governments across Pakistan. Speaking at a press conference in Karachi on Wednesday, MQM-P Convener and Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui emphasized the necessity of this amendment for enhancing democratic participation at the grassroots level.
Siddiqui clarified that the party’s demand was not driven by political self-interest but by a commitment to strengthening democracy nationwide. He highlighted that the core purpose of the amendment should be the effective enforcement of Article 140-A, which guarantees citizens’ involvement in local governance and decision-making processes.
In a significant development, Siddiqui pointed out that the amendment’s importance has grown amid rising regional tensions, underscoring the need for Karachi, as a vital economic center, to remain secure and empowered to maintain national stability. He stressed, “The Constitution of Pakistan was designed to protect the rights of the people. Therefore, the 28th amendment must be enacted without delay to devolve power to the grassroots.”
Notably, Siddiqui revealed that MQM-P currently lacks any chairmen or councillors throughout Pakistan, reinforcing the party’s call for decision-making authority to be transferred directly to the people. Senior MQM-P leader Dr. Farooq Sattar supported this view, stating that it is time to dismantle the feudal system and establish full local and urban autonomy through a robust local government framework.
Meanwhile, Mustafa Kamal echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that ongoing regional conflicts have made the constitutional amendment even more critical for ensuring the country’s security and democratic governance. The MQM-P’s unified stance highlights the pressing need for constitutional reforms to empower local institutions and enhance citizen participation in governance.
