Islamabad: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Farooq Sattar has warned that if the federal and provincial authorities fail to address Karachi’s longstanding problems, demands for greater administrative control and the formation of a “Karachi Action Committee” could emerge.
Speaking during a session of the National Assembly, Sattar stressed the need for national reconciliation, constitutional compliance, and serious attention to urban governance issues, particularly those affecting Karachi.
Call for Balanced Political Reflection
Farooq Sattar said that no political party or group could claim to be entirely right or entirely wrong.
“No one is 100 percent correct,” he said. “We cannot say that the opposition is 100 percent wrong, nor can we claim that we ourselves are 100 percent right. Mistakes have been made on both sides.”
He urged political leaders to adopt a more balanced approach and engage in self-accountability rather than placing blame solely on opponents.
Emphasis on Constitutional Implementation
The MQM leader argued that many constitutional provisions are frequently ignored despite repeated debates on governance and democracy.
“If the Constitution is not being implemented, then we must first look within ourselves,” he stated.
Sattar referred to several constitutional articles, including Article 7, Article 32, and Article 140-A, saying that these provisions often receive insufficient attention in public and political discourse.
He emphasized that meaningful implementation of constitutional principles is necessary for strengthening democratic governance and addressing public grievances.
Need for National Reconciliation
Farooq Sattar called for a broader effort aimed at reducing political divisions and fostering cooperation among different stakeholders.
“We need national reconciliation and national understanding,” he said, arguing that political stability and consensus are essential for solving the country’s pressing economic, administrative, and social challenges.
According to him, continued polarization and political confrontation make it more difficult to address the concerns of citizens across Pakistan.
Warning Over Karachi’s Problems
The MQM leader expressed concern that unresolved issues in Karachi and other major cities could lead to demands for alternative governance arrangements.
He warned that if authorities fail to address urban challenges, calls may emerge for such cities to be administered directly under the federal government.
“Today you must address these issues,” he said. “Otherwise, demands will arise from Karachi and other cities for them to be placed under federal administration.”
Sattar further cautioned that public frustration could result in the creation of a Karachi Action Committee if the city’s concerns continue to be neglected.
“If attention is not given to Karachi, then a Karachi Action Committee will also be formed,” he remarked.
Focus on Urban Governance
Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city and economic hub, has long faced challenges related to infrastructure, local government powers, public services, water supply, transportation, and municipal administration.
Political leaders from various parties have frequently argued that stronger governance mechanisms and greater coordination between federal, provincial, and local authorities are needed to resolve the city’s persistent issues.
Farooq Sattar’s comments add to the ongoing debate over local government reforms, constitutional implementation, and the distribution of administrative powers among different levels of government.
His remarks are expected to generate discussion among political parties and policymakers as calls for improved governance and urban development continue to feature prominently in national political discourse.
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