MQM-P Demands Karachi Be Made Federal Territory | Splittly
The political landscape of Pakistan has been stirred once again as MQM-P leader Mustafa Kamal has formally demanded that Karachi be declared a "federal territory" and officially recognized as the country's financial capital.
The Demand for Autonomy
In a fiery press conference, Kamal argued that the current provincial setup under the Sindh government has failed to address the needs of Pakistan's largest city. He claimed that the PPP-led government is taking "unfair advantage" of the 18th Amendment, leaving Karachi's infrastructure and governance in a state of neglect.
"Karachi feeds the entire country," Kamal stated. "It deserves a status that reflects its contribution to the national exchequer. Making it a federal territory is the only way to ensure its development and stability."
Reaction from Rivals
The demand has drawn sharp criticism from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), which governs the province of Sindh. PPP leaders have termed the demand unconstitutional and an attempt to divide the province. They argue that Karachi is an integral part of Sindh and that its issues should be resolved within the existing provincial framework.
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Split Dinner BillsContext of the Gul Plaza Fire
The demand comes in the wake of the tragic fire at Gul Plaza, which claimed over 20 lives and highlighted the city's poor safety enforcement. MQM-P argues that such tragedies are a direct result of the confusion over local government powers and lack of accountability. The debate over Karachi's status is likely to dominate political discourse in the coming weeks.