MQM-P Renews Push for Empowered Administrative Units in Sindh

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan has renewed its demand for empowered administrative units in Sindh, presenting greater devolution as a potential answer to persistent governance and public-service problems affecting Karachi, Hyderabad and other urban districts. Party chairman Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui raised the issue during a meeting with legal professionals at MQM-P’s Bahadurabad headquarters in Karachi.

Representatives of the Muttahida Lawyers Forum, the party’s Legal Aid Committee and other legal experts participated in the discussions. The meeting examined civic challenges in urban Sindh, possible constitutional and legal reforms, the performance of the justice system and legal options available for party workers who remain in detention.

Siddiqui argued that citizens’ frustration had increased because authority and resources had not been transferred effectively to the local level. He maintained that administrative bodies with meaningful powers could make essential services and legal rights more accessible, particularly in densely populated cities facing long-running infrastructure and municipal difficulties.

Participants reviewed weaknesses they believe exist in current laws and administrative procedures. Legal specialists presented proposals and draft changes intended to close procedural gaps, strengthen the protection of citizens’ rights and reduce the obstacles encountered by people seeking relief through government institutions or the courts.

Judicial reform was another major focus of the meeting. Those attending called for a system capable of delivering justice more quickly, transparently and affordably, with particular attention to disadvantaged communities. The Legal Aid Committee also committed to expanding assistance for people who struggle to obtain legal representation or navigate complex judicial processes.

The latest MQM-P statement comes amid a wider national debate over whether Pakistan requires additional provinces or smaller administrative regions. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi brought the subject back into the political spotlight in July by arguing that structural changes could improve governance, expand opportunities and address shortcomings in the delivery of justice and public services.

The debate has proved especially sensitive in Sindh. The Pakistan Peoples Party has rejected proposals that could divide the province, while maintaining that administrative reform and stronger local governance can be discussed separately. In September, the Sindh Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution opposing any alteration to the province’s territorial boundaries, underscoring the political resistance confronting the proposal.

MQM-P, which participates in the federal coalition but sits in opposition in Sindh, has continued to advocate a national dialogue on administrative restructuring. Supporters present smaller units as a route to accountable government and better service delivery, while critics warn that provincial boundaries cannot be changed without public consent, broad political agreement and compliance with constitutional requirements.

The renewed demand is likely to intensify political discussion over devolution, urban representation and the distribution of provincial authority. Any practical move towards new units would require extensive negotiations among political parties and provincial stakeholders, followed by the constitutional process. MQM-P says it will pursue its objectives through political, legal and constitutional channels while continuing work on judicial reform and legal assistance.