MQM-P proposed constitutional amendments for empowering local govt system

Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) on Tuesday organised a conference titled “Independent Districts: Strong Pakistan” at a local hotel with an aim to facilitate “comprehensive” constitutional amendments to decentralise power.The event was attended by politicians, social workers, journalists, lawyers and businesses.

MQM-P Convener Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said that the Constitution, in its present form, could neither protect itself nor common citizens.

There is a need for implementing a constitution that can ensure equal rights of citizens. Just as the powers of prime minister and chief ministers are listed in the Constitution, the powers of local governments should also be highlighted.

The former Karachi mayor and  Senior Deputy Convener Mustafa Kamal said that five people are in control of the resources and authority of this country while there is no procedure defined in the Constitution to bring the resources and power to the lower level.

MQM-P proposed three amendments into the Constitution of Pakistan

1. Define power of local governments with specifically mentioning each and every department under their authority

2.The provincial finance commissions should work like the National Finance Commission.

3.Holding local government elections before the general election a constitutional requirement

ANP Sindh President Shahi Syed said the 18th Amendment has not been implemented in its true sense to date. If the resources are not brought to the doorsteps of people, the dream of a better Pakistan will never be fulfilled.

Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) leader Imran Ismail said Karachi had always been considered a milking cow but the fodder for this cow was not according to its needs. He commended MQM-P’s effort to empower local governments across the country.

Senior journalist Mazhar Abbas said MQM was the only party which had flourished in the nursery of student politics and local governments and the draft presented by it would remain a turning point in the political history of the country.

“Until local governments are empowered, the politics of the country will remain in a state of chaos. Karachi is the economic and social hub of Pakistan. Instead of making this country a welfare state, it has been turned into real estate.”

Former Governor of Sindh Moinuddin Haider said local governments were the foundation of democracy, only through them, a strong Pakistan could be formed.

“The irony is that local governments have always been empowered under dictatorial regimes and their powers were taken away during political periods,” he added.