MQM-P says elections means to reach destination

Convener says party is not undergoing transformation, it is experiencing a renewal

KARACHI:

Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) Convener Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui has said the elections “do not epitomise our ultimate destination”, they are the means to reach it.

“The MQM is not faltering, it is thriving and it is not undergoing a transformation, it is experiencing a renewal,” Siddiqui said while addressing a public meeting on the iconic Malir Saudabad Road.

The convener resonated with a resounding message - this demonstration of strength not only transcended mere electoral aspirations but also it represented a revolutionary movement.

Dr Siddiqui resounded the sacrifices made for Karachi and the nation, fervently demanding an end to the injustices burdening the city.

Highlighting the MQM-P's feats, including the audacious completion of two censuses within a span of five years and the successful recovery of missing population and voters during this process, Siddiqui passionately stressed a peaceful pursuit of justice.

"Our destination will be reached by raising the flag, not corpses. Karachi shall no longer bear the weight of unjust burdens; we shall assert our rights," he declared with unwavering conviction.

Syed Mustafa Kamal suggested three constitutional amendments for an empowered local government in Pakistan, saying that safeguarding the Constitution was eminent for empowering people.

“The provincial finance commission award should be linked with the NFC (National Finance Commission) and it should have the constitutional protection.”

Kamal also asserted that whenever MQM was given its due mandate, they served Karachi at their best.

The MQM-P leader said in his mayoral tenure, he spent almost Rs300 billion for improving the city's infrastructure and made Karachi one of the 12th most developed cities in the word. On the contrary, he said, during 15 years of the PPP-led provincial government, Karachi became the fourth worst living cities in the world.

He also lent his voice to the challenges confronting the Karachi's youth, lamenting issues such as rampant unemployment and the commercialisation of water resources intended for the city's residents.

His critique extended to the yawning developmental disparities between Karachi and other global metropolises, leading to his impassioned plea: "Our youth are sacrificing their lives in squalid conditions, even after four decades; substantive change remains elusive."

Dr Farooq Sattar took to the podium, elucidating confidence in the MQM-P's efficacy as advocates for Karachi's interests.

Sattar underscored the party's commitment to addressing pertinent issues, including the contentious reduction of union councils and the equitable representation of Karachi's burgeoning population.

He affirmed that the Malir Town gathering marked an indispensable milestone for the MQM-P, demonstrating unwavering dedication to rectifying the concerns of Karachi's residents and ardently advocating for their rights.

Sattar underscored the imperative of unity and resilience as the driving forces behind a brighter future for both the city and the nation.

This pivotal event drew a constellation of eminent party leaders, including Nasreen Jalil.

Deputy conveners Anees Ahmed Qaim Khani, Khawaja Izharul Hasan, Abdul Waleem, as well as senators Syed Faisal Sabzwari and Khaleda Ateeb were also there.

Simultaneously, the MQM successfully reclaimed its street-level influence in Malir, with enthusiastic support from the populace, rejuvenating its electoral ambitions.