'Conflict knocks at Pakistan's door'

MQM-P warns of Karachi's vulnerability, urges local governance via Article 140-A

KARACHI:

Amid rising regional tensions and internal challenges, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui has sounded the alarm, warning that the kind of conflict long feared is now "knocking at Pakistan's door." Speaking at a press conference in Karachi on Wednesday, he argued that national defence is no longer the sole responsibility of the military — but a collective test for the entire nation.

Addressing the media at MQM-P's Bahadurabad headquarters alongside senior leaders including Mustafa Kamal, Farooq Sattar, Anees Qaimkhani, Aminul Haque, and Faisal Sabzwari, Siddiqui stressed that true resilience lies in empowering citizens at the grassroots level. He called for the immediate implementation of Article 140-A, which mandates the devolution of power to local governments.

Siddiqui expressed disappointment that the much-anticipated 28th constitutional amendment failed to guarantee meaningful public participation in governance. He criticised entrenched dynastic politics and feudal mindsets as major obstacles to decentralisation, urging the federal government to act decisively.

Highlighting Karachi's vulnerability, he warned that enemy forces could easily target the country's economic hub, Karachi, if internal cohesion is not strengthened. He also appealed to religious scholars across sects to promote harmony and prevent sectarian discord.

Reiterating MQM-P's stance, Siddiqui said the party had supported the federal on the condition that Article 140-A would be activated.

Mustafa Kamal underscored the urgency of structural reform, arguing that Pakistan's governance model remains overly centralised around provincial leadership. He noted that while the military safeguards borders, basic civic services depend on functional and empowered municipal bodies — something currently lacking in over 400 cities.

Farooq Sattar echoed the sentiment, calling for empowered local governments across all 144 districts of Pakistan. He urged immediate implementation of the Karachi Strategic Development Plan, adding that holding mayors accountable without granting them authority is fundamentally unjust.

The MQM-P leadership collectively called on all political forces to unite, warning that while external enemies may not defeat Pakistan on the battlefield, internal divisions and conspiracies could weaken it from within.