The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan has renewed its call for major changes in Karachi’s status. Party leader Mustafa Kamal asked the federal government to declare Karachi as a federal territory and the country’s financial capital. He made the demand during a press conference on Thursday.
Kamal said Karachi plays a key role in running the national economy. He argued that such an important city should not remain under a provincial government. He stressed that the city deserved special treatment due to its economic value and large population.
The demand comes after the deadly Gul Plaza fire in Karachi. The tragedy raised serious questions about city management and safety rules. Lawmakers from several parties called for reforms in local government systems after the incident.
During his speech, Kamal urged the federal government to use Articles 148 and 149 of the Constitution. These articles allow the center to guide provinces in certain serious matters. He said the law gives enough power to declare Karachi the financial capital of Pakistan.
He explained that Article 149 allows federal directions to protect peace and economic life. Kamal said Karachi’s economy affects the whole country. He added that poor governance in the city harms national interests.
“We already have an administrative capital,” Kamal said. “But Karachi should be made the financial capital.” He claimed the ruling party in Sindh failed to manage the city well. He accused the provincial government of denying citizens their basic rights.
Kamal warned that public anger could grow if the system did not change. He said enemies of Pakistan could benefit from unrest in Karachi. He repeated that a city running the economy should not suffer from weak control.
The MQM-P leader also criticized the 18th Amendment. He said the amendment was being misused against Karachi. He demanded an end to what he called unfair treatment of the city.
He recalled talks before the 27th Constitutional Amendment. Kamal said even the prime minister supported local government reforms at that time. Several federal ministers also agreed, he added. But he blamed the Pakistan People’s Party for blocking the changes.
MQM-P has long called for stronger local governments. The party linked its support for past amendments to reforms under Article 140A. Since those demands were not met, the party now plans to push its proposals in the next amendment.
The National Assembly also debated local government powers this week. Members from different parties spoke about the need for better city management after the Gul Plaza fire.
However, the demand sparked sharp reactions from the Sindh government. Senior minister Sharjeel Memon accused MQM-P of politicizing the tragedy. He said turning a disaster into a political issue was wrong.
Memon questioned whether ending the 18th Amendment would stop such fires. He said the provincial government was taking responsibility and helping victims. He announced interest-free loans for affected shop owners.
He also shared fire safety data. Rescue 1122 received over one thousand fire reports in Karachi last year. More incidents were reported this month as well. For full details on the tragedy, read our news Gul Plaza Search Operation Horror: 60 Dead, 88 Missing, Families Await Answers.
Despite criticism, MQM-P stands for firms. The party believes making Karachi the financial capital will improve governance and protect the economy. The debate now continues in political circles and parliament.
