KARACHI — MQM Chairman Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui has reiterated his party’s long-standing demand for the creation of new administrative units, arguing that restructuring Pakistan’s provincial framework is essential for the country’s stability.
Speaking to the North Nazimabad Residents Committee on Sunday, Siddiqui said the call for new provinces is not a recent position adopted by the MQM but a demand that dates back to the party’s origins as a student movement.
Population Growth Drives Demand for Reform
Siddiqui contended that Pakistan’s expanding population necessitates a greater number of administrative units, stressing that aligning governance structures with the needs of citizens is critical to national stability.
“In view of Pakistan’s growing population, the number of administrative units should be increased, because improving the administrative structure according to the needs of the people is essential for the stability of the country,” he said.
Karachi’s Grievances Revisited
The MQM-Pakistan leader reflected on the country’s early history, noting that Pakistan was established through the struggle and sacrifices of the ancestors of today’s citizens, who arrived in Quaid-e-Azam’s Pakistan when Karachi served as the national capital.
He argued that the later relocation of the capital and subsequent changes to the administrative structure created enduring problems for Karachi. Siddiqui claimed the city was made part of Sindh without consulting its residents and that no referendum or vote was held when the provinces were restored.
Demand Not Limited to Karachi, Says Siddiqui
Siddiqui sought to broaden the scope of the debate, insisting the demand for new provinces has never been confined to Karachi or a so-called Muhajir province.
- He said a Saraiki province could be formed in areas where the Saraiki population lives.
- He noted that a Hazara province is also a possibility.
- He acknowledged, however, that various questions remain regarding the establishment of a province for the Muhajir population.
Call to Review Provincial Structure
The MQM chairman called for a review of the current provincial structure and the distribution of powers, arguing that the four existing provinces were established on linguistic grounds — a factor he said is complicating the concept of a shared Pakistani identity.
The renewed push is likely to reignite debate over administrative boundaries in Pakistan, a subject that has historically stirred intense political controversy among the country’s major parties.
