MQM-P demands uplift package for Hyderabad
The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) has demanded a Rs100 billion package for the development of Sindh's second largest city, Hyderabad.
Flanked by party MPAs at a press conference at the Hyderabad Press Club on Sunday, MNA Sabir Hussain Qaimkhani welcomed the Rs1,100 billion provincial and federal package that had been announced for Karachi by Prime Minister Imran Khan the previous day.
"The MQM-P's stance for mega-development projects in the big cities has been accepted," he said, while adding that the civic problems encountered by the residents of Karachi, Hyderabad and other cities could not be resolved without empowering the local government system.
Qaimkhani maintained that Hyderabad, which contributed Rs2.6 trillion to the annual revenue, required a stimulus financial package similar to the one announced by the PM for Karachi.
"The citizens know well that no mega project has been given to Hyderabad over the last 12 years," he stated, lamenting that both the federal and the provincial governments had ignored the city during the said period. He expressed hope that a Rs100 billion development package would also be announced for Hyderabad.
Highlighting solid waste management, sewage treatment, water filtration, roads, drainage, parks and reinforcement of the embankments of the Indus River as some of the pressing issues in the city, he insisted that development funds should be allocated for Hyderabad routinely.
"An adequate proportion from the revenue generated from motor vehicle tax, property tax, Sindh Building Control Authority and Octroi Zila tax should also be given to the Hyderabad Municipal Corporation," he demanded.
Meanwhile, commenting on the appointment of administrators after local government representatives stepped down last week, Qaimkhani accused the Pakistan Peoples Party of overlooking merit in this regard. "If the ruling and the opposition parties together decide on a caretaker prime minister and chief ministers, why can't they sit together and choose reputable individuals for the post of administrators?"
The MNA further said the just distribution of the Provincial Finance Commission Award would open avenues for development through the local government system.
Responding to a question, the MNA slammed the Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO) for dishonouring assurances given to an MQM-P delegation in a recent meeting. He claimed that only five days after the meeting, the company increased the hours of load-shedding in Hyderabad.
"We have already told the PM and the energy minister that HESCO's performance is worst among all power distribution companies, with three CEOs changed in around two months," he added.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 7th, 2020.