MQM-P Revives Push for New Provinces, Citing Governance Failures

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) has intensified its campaign for the creation of new provinces, arguing that the current administrative system is inadequate for Pakistan's growing population and development needs. Party chairman Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui stated in a Hyderabad rally that the demand for a new province carved from Sindh remains active, emphasizing it would be based on "mother tongue" and "exchanged land." He highlighted historical migration patterns and criticized the existing urban-rural divide in Sindh's governance, asserting that urban areas contribute significantly to the provincial budget with minimal returns. Siddiqui pointed out that 97% of Sindh's budget originates from cities like Karachi and Hyderabad, while other regions contribute little, creating an imbalance in resource allocation.

Concurrently, senior MQM-P leader Mustafa Kamal held a press conference in Karachi, echoing the call for new provinces based on administrative necessity rather than ethnicity. Kamal argued that the increasing population and urbanization necessitate a more responsive governance structure. He criticized the Sindh government for allegedly mismanaging funds, stating that Karachi, despite generating over 90% of provincial revenue, received a disproportionately small allocation. Kamal also accused the government of centralizing power and weakening local governments, preventing effective service delivery. The MQM-P plans to take its campaign to the streets after legislative efforts to reform governance and empower local bodies were reportedly blocked.