MQM-P calls for new units to address urban woes

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) has renewed its call for new administrative units in Sindh, arguing that the devolution of powers and authority is essential to address longstanding civic problems in Karachi, Hyderabad and other urban areas.

"Establishing new and empowered administrative units is the biggest challenge and the solution to ensuring that people receive their rights at their doorstep," MQM-P Chairman Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said during a meeting with legal experts at the party's Bahadurabad headquarters.

The meeting brought together members of the Muttahida Lawyers Forum, the party's Legal Aid Committee and prominent legal experts to discuss urban Sindh's civic challenges, constitutional and legal reforms, judicial performance and strategies for securing the release of party activists in detention.

Senior MQM-P leader Wasim Akhtar and other party leaders attended the meeting, while former judge Qazi Khalid was also present.

Addressing the gathering, Siddiqui said the lack of basic facilities and the failure to devolve powers had fuelled public discontent in Karachi, Hyderabad and other urban districts. He called for a new administrative arrangement to restore balance in governance and ensure that citizens could access their rights and essential services more effectively.

Legal experts briefed the party leadership on what they described as shortcomings in existing laws and regulations that could be exploited to deprive citizens of their rights. They presented legal proposals and draft amendments aimed at addressing procedural and constitutional gaps.

The participants also discussed the need for far-reaching judicial reforms to ensure timely, affordable and transparent justice, particularly for disadvantaged and marginalised communities.

Members of the Legal Aid Committee pledged to expand and strengthen legal assistance for citizens facing difficulties in accessing justice. The meeting also considered legal strategies concerning detained party workers and efforts to secure their release.

At the conclusion of the meeting, MQM-P leaders and legal experts reiterated their commitment to pursuing the party's demands through political, constitutional and legal means, including advocating new administrative units and reforms to existing laws.