MQM-P Delegation Highlights Urgent Karachi Issues in High-Stakes PM Meeting

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with a delegation from the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) on Thursday to discuss pressing issues affecting Karachi and other matters of national concern. The meeting, reported by GNN, was held at the Prime Minister’s office and included notable MQM-P figures such as Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Governor Sindh Kamran Tesori, Mustafa Kamal, and others. Here is an overview of the meeting and the key topics discussed:

Key Points Discussed:

1. Karachi’s Development Projects:

• Infrastructure and Urban Planning:
  The delegation emphasized the need for accelerated development projects in Karachi, highlighting issues with existing infrastructure and the need for more efficient urban planning. They pointed out that many projects have stalled due to bureaucratic delays and lack of funding.
• Prime Minister’s Assurance:
  Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif assured the delegation that the federal government is committed to supporting Karachi’s development initiatives. He promised to facilitate collaboration between federal and provincial authorities to expedite ongoing projects and address funding concerns.

2. Traders’ Concerns:

• Economic Challenges:
  The MQM-P delegation raised concerns about the economic challenges faced by traders in Karachi, including the impact of inflation, high taxes, and regulatory hurdles. They stressed the need for policies that would support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and improve the business environment.
• Government’s Response:
  In response, PM Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the government’s efforts to stabilize the economy and implement reforms aimed at supporting businesses. He assured the delegation that measures are being taken to ease the regulatory burden and provide relief to the business community.

3. K-Electric Issues:

• Power Supply and Billing Concerns:
  One of the main issues discussed was the performance of K-Electric, the electricity distribution company in Karachi. The delegation highlighted frequent power outages, poor service quality, and increasing electricity bills as major concerns for residents and businesses in Karachi.
• Commitment to Resolve Issues:
  PM Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged these challenges and stated that the government is actively working to address the shortcomings of K-Electric. He mentioned plans to improve power supply reliability and take measures to ensure fair billing practices.

4. Law and Order Situation in Sindh:

• Security Concerns:
  The MQM-P leaders expressed their concerns over the deteriorating law and order situation in Sindh, particularly in Karachi. They pointed to rising crime rates and inadequate police response as significant issues that need urgent attention.
• Federal Support for Law Enforcement:
  The Prime Minister assured the delegation that the federal government is committed to enhancing security in Sindh. He promised to increase support for law enforcement agencies and implement strategies to combat crime effectively.

5. National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Amendment Ordinance 2024:

• Concerns Over Amendments:
  The delegation also brought up their concerns regarding the recently proposed NAB Amendment Ordinance 2024. They expressed apprehensions about certain provisions that they believe could impact political accountability and transparency negatively.
• Open Dialogue for Amendments:
  PM Shehbaz Sharif assured the MQM-P delegation that their concerns would be considered. He emphasized the importance of open dialogue and collaboration in shaping the legislation to ensure that it meets the standards of justice and fairness.

MQM-P’s Position and Demands:

The MQM-P delegation, led by Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, highlighted several key demands and positions regarding the issues discussed:

1. Urgent Action on Karachi’s Development:

• The MQM-P leaders demanded immediate action to revive stalled projects in Karachi. They emphasized the need for federal assistance in addressing critical infrastructure gaps and improving urban services.

2. Support for Traders:

• The delegation urged the government to introduce economic relief measures for Karachi’s traders, including tax breaks and financial incentives to support recovery from the economic downturn.

3. Accountability of K-Electric:

• MQM-P insisted on holding K-Electric accountable for its performance. They demanded a comprehensive review of the company’s operations to ensure it meets the needs of Karachi’s residents.

4. Enhanced Security Measures:

• The delegation called for a significant increase in security personnel and resources in Karachi to combat rising crime rates and improve public safety.

5. Revisiting the NAB Ordinance:

• MQM-P leaders requested a thorough review of the NAB Amendment Ordinance 2024. They expressed a willingness to engage in constructive discussions to address their concerns about the proposed changes.

Government’s Commitment:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing the issues raised by the MQM-P delegation. He emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts between the federal and provincial governments to achieve sustainable solutions for Karachi’s challenges. Key points from his commitments include:

• Intergovernmental Collaboration:
  The Prime Minister promised to facilitate cooperation between federal and Sindh authorities to expedite development projects and improve service delivery in Karachi.
• Support for Economic Growth:
  PM Sharif assured the delegation that measures are being implemented to support economic growth, reduce inflation, and create a more favorable business environment in Karachi.
• Enhancing Law Enforcement:
  The government pledged to strengthen law enforcement agencies and implement comprehensive strategies to tackle crime and ensure public safety in Karachi.
• Fair Implementation of NAB Amendments:
  The Prime Minister committed to ensuring that the NAB Amendment Ordinance 2024 is implemented fairly, with an emphasis on transparency and accountability.

The meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the MQM-P delegation underscores the ongoing efforts to address Karachi’s multifaceted challenges. With a focus on infrastructure development, economic support, and enhanced security, the government aims to create a more prosperous and stable environment for the city’s residents.

The discussions also highlighted the importance of intergovernmental collaboration and open dialogue in resolving critical issues. As Karachi continues to face economic and social challenges, the government’s response will be crucial in shaping the city’s future trajectory and maintaining public trust in the administration.