MQM-P reiterates demand for ‘correct headcount’
The Convenor of Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui expressed concerns on the conspiracy to show the population of urban Sindh in the census, particularly Karachi and Hyderabad low.
The MQM-P convenor accompanied by the members of the coordination committee, was addressing a press conference on Monday in the park near the party's Bahadurabad office.
He said that MQM Pakistan and the people of Karachi would strongly oppose any census data indicating a population of less than 30 million. He demanded of the rulers to reply 'how there was a sudden increase of six million people in the headcount'? He questioned why these individuals were not counted in the first place, as their non-inclusion in the census undermines their right to representation.
The convener said that the MQM Pakistan repeatedly informed the federal government and relevant authorities about irregularities. The urban areas of Sindh, including Karachi, refuse to accept such flawed census results he said demanding formation of a commission to investigate the significant population increase in rural Sindh on ethnic basis.
He said that the party has sent letters with the hope for justice from the courts and authorities.
The party expressed gratitude to Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, and the Federal Bureau of Statistics for attentively listening to the census-related grievances of MQM-P. As new constituencies will be formed based on the census results, MQM Pakistan urges swift and transparent elections.
Senior Deputy Convenor Dr. Farooq Sattar also spoke on the occasion and emphasised the importance of post-enumeration survey, verification, and rectification stages. He questioned the substantial growth rate of 60 per cent in rural Sindh's population compared to the modest 12 per cent growth in Karachi and other urban districts of the province.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 1st, 2023.