MQM-P Calls for Empowerment of Local Governments in 27th Constitutional Amendment
The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) has urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to ensure that local governments are fully empowered under the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment. This call comes in line with earlier commitments made by the government, emphasizing the need for a more decentralized governance structure.
A seven-member MQM-P delegation, led by Convener Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, met the Prime Minister at the PM House to discuss the issue. The delegation included Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori, Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal, and MNAs Dr. Farooq Sattar, Javed Hanif Khan, Syed Aminul Haq, and Khawaja Izharul Hassan. During the meeting, the MQM-P emphasized the importance of incorporating their local government draft into the amendment to devolve greater administrative and financial powers to municipal bodies.
Sources indicated that the MQM-P sought the Prime Minister’s assurance that their proposals would be reviewed and integrated into the amendment. The delegation also highlighted the significance of securing the backing of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) for their draft. According to MQM-P sources, the PML-N had pledged full support for their proposals within the constitutional framework.
Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori later stated that the Prime Minister had held detailed consultations with MQM-P leaders on the draft and the overall amendment, describing it as a collaborative process among coalition partners. This collaboration is expected to play a crucial role in the passage of the 27th Constitutional Amendment.
PPP and BAP Delegations Also Meet with Prime Minister
In addition to the MQM-P meeting, a Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) delegation also met with Prime Minister Sharif for detailed discussions on the proposed amendment. Both sides reviewed relevant clauses and positions before the PPP delegation departed for Karachi from Noor Khan Airbase.
The PPP Central Executive Committee is scheduled to meet today at 7 p.m. in Karachi, with Irfan Qadir, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Naveed Qamar, and Sherry Rehman in attendance. This meeting is expected to further shape the party’s stance on the amendment.
Prime Minister Sharif was accompanied by key figures such as Ishaq Dar, Azam Nazeer Tarar, Ahsan Iqbal, Rana Sanaullah, and Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan during the meetings.
Separately, a Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) delegation led by Federal Minister Khalid Magsi will meet the Prime Minister at 3:30 p.m. The delegation includes Senator Muhammad Abdul Qadir, Manzoor Kakar, Samina Mumtaz, and Dinesh Kumar.
According to sources, the BAP will press for an increase in Balochistan’s representation in both the provincial and national assemblies. This demand reflects the party’s ongoing efforts to ensure fair political representation for the province.
Expected Timeline for the 27th Constitutional Amendment
The government alliance is expected to table the 27th Constitutional Amendment in Parliament soon. Sources suggest that the amendment, along with MQM-P’s proposals, could be passed by both houses later this month. This timeline highlights the urgency and importance of the amendment in shaping the country’s governance structure.
The upcoming meetings and discussions involving various political parties underscore the collaborative nature of the process. As the amendment moves forward, it is anticipated that the voices of different stakeholders will be considered to ensure a balanced and effective outcome.
With the involvement of multiple parties and the focus on empowering local governments, the 27th Constitutional Amendment represents a significant step towards decentralization and improved governance in Pakistan. The final outcome of these discussions will have far-reaching implications for the country’s political and administrative landscape.