Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui says Pakistan is currently ruled by a feudal-style democracy
Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan President Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui addresses a press conference in Karachi on Wednesday, accompanied by senior party leader Dr Farooq Sattar and Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal. SCREENSHOT
The Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) on Thursday called on the government to introduce the 28th Amendment to devolve powers to the local level, terming the move essential to safeguard the country and transform Pakistan’s feudal democracy into a participatory and inclusive system.
MQM-P President Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, speaking at a press conference alongside central committee members in Karachi, said that Pakistan is currently ruled by a feudal-style democracy. Citing Iran’s successful resistance as an example, he said one of the reasons for Iranian national unity was the Tehran municipal government.
Dr Siddiqui said the MQM-P has always maintained that those who vote bear greater responsibility than those who vote for them, but feudal democracy, dynastic politics and hereditary rule do not consider this necessary in Pakistan.
“We had hoped that the 28th Amendment would devolve powers to local bodies, but that did not happen. Now, with discussions about the lockdown and economic crisis, it is time to transfer authority to local levels and prepare accordingly,” he said.
Read: PM seeks to calm tempers amid escalating PPP-MQM conflict
He noted that the country appears ready for this change, and that political parties are unlikely to oppose it. However, a small minority – benefiting from city rule, holding an artificial majority and influenced by a feudal mentality – is blocking the transfer of authority, powers and resources to the people of Pakistan.
“The highest court of Pakistan has ruled in favor of the demand of the MQM-P leaders. The Prime Minister should explain what the MQM-P demanded for the continuation of democracy. We have not demanded anything for ourselves; we have only demanded that the constitution of Pakistan be made 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 our support to the government. Our demand for devolution of powers is to safeguard the nation. Only a united Pakistan can stand with the war-torn country,” he said.
He added that the government played an active role after the war, but cautioned that it was too early to predict the challenges Pakistan might face. “Pakistan played a mediating role and we support it. We need to stay mentally prepared. The army that defends Pakistan is professional, and in times of war, it is not just the army but the entire nation that fights,” Siddiqui added.
He warned that if an enemy decided to do harm, Karachi would be the first target. “Karachi cannot remain in this state and the security of Pakistan cannot be guaranteed. If the government agrees to our demands, we will support it to save the country. The fire that has been talked about for two to three decades has now reached our doorsteps,” he said.
Addressing the Gul Plaza tragedy, in which more than 80 people were burnt alive and over a thousand shops destroyed, Siddiqui reiterated his party’s stand, saying the MQM-P stood with the victims.
“If we have to take to the streets to defend their rights, we will not hesitate. The city administration leaves during the holidays to its native region. Their absence in times of emergency will further aggravate the disorder and insecurity in the city. Only the people of Pakistan can save the country,” he said.
Read also: CM asks MQM-P to “lead by example” on the request for federal control
Also speaking to the press, party chief Dr Farooq Sattar said it was time to transform Pakistan’s feudal democracy into a participatory and inclusive system. “The people should have the right to decide their own destiny. An effective and accountable local government system has become essential for the survival of the country,” he said.
He added that the MQM proposed a formula to strengthen the 144 districts and cities of Pakistan 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 local level and this can only be done 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 was operating alongside the military in modern warfare. He noted that Pakistan is currently ruled by four chief ministers and with over 400 cities, it is impossible to manage them in the current system.
He added that controlling the energy crisis is also impossible without empowered local representatives, calling it a matter of national security. Considering the ongoing regional conflicts, he said the constitutional amendment proposed by the MQM was more necessary than ever.
