MQM-P censures PPP for ‘bias against urban population’

Siddiqui claims ventilators, other equipment from Karachi's hospitals shifted to facilities in rural Sindh

KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) deputy convener Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui lambasted the Pakistan People Party (PPP) on Thursday, accusing the ruling party in Sindh of "discriminating against the province's urban population, particularly Karachiites."

Addressing a press conference, Siddiqui maintained that the rights of Sindh's urban population had continued to be violated for the past 50 years.

In support of his argument, he claimed that of 151 officials appointed in different provincial government departments through the Sindh Public Service Commission, none were Mohajir.

He further alleged that ventilators and other medical facilities provided to different hospitals in Karachi during the MQM's tenure had been shifted by the now ruling PPP to healthcare facilities in rural Sindh.

"[This way] the Sindh government is encouraging discrimination and bias in the province [against its urban population] as part of a well-thought out plan," he deplored.

Siddiqui stated that the PPP had been ruling Sindh for the last 13 years but Karachi, which he said generated seven per cent of the country's and 90 per cent of the province's revenue, continued to face destruction throughout its reign.

The MQM-P leader went on to claim that half of Sindh's urban population was not counted in the last census and said that his party had presented its reservations on the matter before the Supreme Court before the census, but their pleas remained unheard.

"I now urge the apex court to take notice of the discrimination and injustice meted out to Sindh's urban population, including Karachiities," he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 23^rd, 2020.