In a decisive move on Saturday, the Sindh Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution firmly opposing any initiative to establish Karachi as a separate province. The resolution underscored Karachi’s status as an inseparable and vital part of Sindh, reinforcing the province’s commitment to maintaining its territorial integrity. This development comes amid growing political debates and calls for administrative changes concerning the governance of Pakistan’s largest city.
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah took the floor to present the resolution, strongly condemning recent divisive rhetoric advocating for the fragmentation of Sindh or the detachment of Karachi. He emphasized that such proposals run counter to the historical context, constitutional framework, democratic principles, and the collective sentiments of the Sindhi people. The Chief Minister’s remarks highlighted the deep-rooted connections between Karachi and the rest of Sindh, portraying any attempt to alter this bond as both unjustified and harmful.
Expanding on the resolution, Murad Ali Shah declared that the metropolis of Karachi “is, and shall forever remain, an integral and inseparable part of Sindh.” He stressed that the Assembly’s unanimous decision sends a clear message that the unity of Sindh is sacred and non-negotiable. The statement was further echoed on the Chief Minister’s official social media platform, where it was reiterated that Karachi’s place within Sindh is permanent and unalterable, reflecting a united stance for the province’s territorial cohesion.
This resolution was tabled in direct response to demands made by the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), which has called for Karachi to be declared a federal territory under Articles 148 and 149 of the Constitution. These demands gained prominence following the tragic fire at Gul Plaza on January 17, which resulted in the deaths of over 70 people and left many injured. The fire, which raged for nearly two days, also caused extensive damage to approximately 1,200 shops, intensifying public scrutiny of the city’s governance and emergency response systems.
Following the disaster, MQM-P leader and federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal publicly urged for Karachi’s administrative status to be changed, arguing that the city requires direct federal oversight to better manage such crises. Meanwhile, MQM-P’s Farooq Sattar called on Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari to take stern action by removing key provincial officials, including the Sindh Chief Minister, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, and Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon. Sattar’s demands also included transferring control of Karachi to the federal government if the provincial authorities failed to meet their responsibilities effectively.
The Sindh Assembly’s resolution thus not only serves as a rebuttal to these calls but also reaffirms the province’s determination to safeguard its unity and oppose any attempts that could lead to administrative division. The political tensions surrounding Karachi’s governance continue to be a sensitive issue, reflecting broader challenges in balancing local autonomy with federal oversight in Pakistan’s complex political landscape.
