MQM-P demands new provinces, saying Sindh can’t be handled under current system

The MQM-P has stepped up its campaign for creation of new provinces, saying Sindh has the strongest argument for creation of further administrative divisions.

The administrative set-up of Pakistan was to be changed as per the population expansion, Siddiqui remarked while talking to the media together with Farooq Sattar and Mustafa Kamal.

“The country has continued to grow in population without creating new provinces, so the pressure on the existing administrative systems has increased,” he said.

MQM-P head says call for new provinces should not be seen as political or organizational agenda. Rather, he said it was an issue of the fundamental rights of citizens and the efficient delivery of public goods.

Siddiqui said the political parties should gather together and discuss the subject, adding that there were already constitutional provisions for the creation of new provinces.

“New provinces will not divide Pakistan or change the territorial boundaries of Sindh,” Mustafa Kamal remarked. He called them administrative arrangements to bring government closer to the people.

He also criticized the performance of the Sindh government saying the state has been given billions of rupees in funds but could not offer necessary basic services to its inhabitants.

Kamal said decentralization of authority and empowering local administrations were vital to handle public issues.

Farooq Sattar concentrated on Karachi and said it was the economic capital of the country and the city needed larger administrative powers.

“Karachi is contributing a major share of Pakistan’s tax revenue and exports but has been suffering from governance and corruption problems,” he said.

The MQM-P leaders believed the present system of administration needed fundamental reforms, and said that stronger local governments and more administrative units might help enhance governance, decrease deprivation and expedite growth.