Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) leader and Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has demanded that Karachi be declared a federal territory, saying the provincial government has failed to manage the mega city effectively.
Speaking at a press conference in Karachi, Kamal argued that the Constitution allows Karachi to be placed under federal control.
He said the city’s administrative problems, poor governance, and lack of development prove that the provincial system has not delivered results for its residents.
Visit Times of Karachi website for the latest news-related content
Mustafa Kamal strongly criticised the 18th Constitutional Amendment, calling it a “cancerous obstacle” for Karachi.
He claimed the amendment has brought no real benefit to the people of the city and has instead weakened governance by concentrating power at the provincial level.
The federal minister said abolishing the 18th Amendment is necessary to save Pakistan and ensure efficient governance.
READ: Gul plaza fire exposes failure of urban governance: Khawaja Asif
He urged the federal government to exercise its constitutional authority under Articles 148 and 149 to address Karachi’s administrative and governance challenges.
Kamal revealed that his party had proposed granting Karachi a federal status during discussions on the 27th Constitutional Amendment.
According to him, all political stakeholders supported the proposal except the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), claiming that despite the constitutional validity of the proposal, the state was forced to retreat due to political pressure, leading MQM-P to withdraw its stance.
READ: Karachi Gul Plaza Fire, Live Updates
He further alleged that the PPP holds enough political power to destabilise the government, which restricts the state’s ability to act decisively. Kamal said ordinary citizens suffer because of political compromises and power struggles.
In his remarks, Mustafa Kamal accused the provincial government of targeting his community through what he described as “systematic victimisation.” He termed this situation “democratic terrorism” and demanded an immediate end to such practices in Sindh.
