Islamabad: (Tassawar News) The ongoing national discourse regarding the 27th Constitutional Amendment has received considerable support from the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), a party renowned for its sustained advocacy of robust local governance. Speaking to the media in Islamabad, MQM-P leaders, including Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and Dr. Farooq Sattar, sought to de-escalate any apprehension surrounding the proposed changes. They framed the amendment not as a source of alarm, but rather as a necessary and progressive step towards establishing a clear, effective, and inclusive legal framework aimed at significantly strengthening the country’s governance structure.
The Constitutional Amendment as an Instrument for Good Governance
MQM-P Chief Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui positioned the 27th Amendment as an essential component of the broader national effort to secure good governance and harmonious coordination among the various tiers of government. The party’s perspective is rooted in the belief that the advantages of democracy must demonstrably cascade down to the populace at the grassroots level.
“We have been saying this from the beginning — democracy’s benefits must reach the people,” Siddiqui articulated. “The amendment aims to make governance more efficient and inclusive.”
Crucially, Siddiqui disclosed that the MQM-P has already engaged with the Prime Minister to present its specific recommendations regarding the proposed constitutional measure. Their primary focus remains steadfastly on the institutionalisation and protection of local governments, arguing for their recognition as a distinct and constitutionally mandated tier of government.
He specifically added, “Local governments should be recognized as a constitutional tier of government. The Constitution must protect the local system, and the Supreme Court should ensure its implementation.”
This emphasis on the constitutional safeguarding of local bodies highlights the party’s long-standing demand for a decentralized power structure that empowers citizens through their immediate representatives.
The Imperative of Empowering Local Governments
The central tenet of the MQM-P’s support for the 27th Amendment revolves around the conviction that strengthening local governance is indispensable for the effective resolution of public issues. Siddiqui underscored that genuine and efficacious democracy can only be realized when political authority and essential resources are systematically devolved to local representatives.
Siddiqui remarked, “By empowering local governments, we can address people’s problems directly.”
He viewed the increased political engagement surrounding the issue as a positive indication of growing national awareness regarding the necessity of local autonomy:
“Many parties are now in contact with us regarding the proposed amendment — this is a positive development.”
This collaboration suggests a potential convergence of political opinion on the critical role of grassroots democratic institutions in national development and stability.
Dr. Farooq Sattar: Ensuring Uninterrupted Local Autonomy
Senior MQM-P leader Dr. Farooq Sattar echoed and reinforced the party’s arguments, contributing further specific policy recommendations. He stressed the need for the Constitution to be explicit regarding the tenure of local governments and to establish an unequivocal mandate for the holding of new elections immediately upon the expiry of a term. This procedural clarity, he argued, is vital to prevent administrative vacuums and political opportunism.
He said, “There should be no confusion. After one local government completes its term, the next must be elected without delay. The Constitution should ensure this process is uninterrupted.”
Dr. Sattar also offered a broader, philosophical justification for constitutional reform, noting that such amendments are often necessary to effectively reflect the evolving political and administrative needs of a nation.
“Constitutions around the world evolve with time — Pakistan’s should too,” he explained, calling for a calm, constructive approach. “People shouldn’t be alarmed by the 27th Amendment; instead, they should focus on making better laws.”
He drew a crucial distinction regarding the concept of autonomy, arguing that provincial autonomy must be seamlessly integrated with local autonomy. This simultaneous empowerment at both the provincial and municipal levels is, in the party’s view, the sole pathway to rendering democracy truly meaningful and impactful for ordinary citizens.
“Provincial rights are important, but local governments must also be empowered. This is the only way to make democracy meaningful for citizens,” Dr. Sattar concluded.
Government Consultations and Crucial Political Support
The federal government’s initiation of comprehensive consultations with its allied parties and key political stakeholders to finalize the 27th Constitutional Amendment draft signals the serious intent behind the reform. Official statements indicate the amendment’s core aims include clarifying governance structures, enhancing administrative efficiency, and generally fortifying democratic institutions across all administrative tiers.
Political analysts universally recognize that the MQM-P’s unequivocal support is of paramount importance. Given the party’s significant urban electoral base and its consistent historical advocacy for local government empowerment, their alignment is considered crucial for building the necessary parliamentary consensus required to successfully enact such a far-reaching constitutional change. Their focus on the local tier is likely to influence the final shape and substance of the amendment, ensuring that the principle of decentralization features prominently.
Conclusion
The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan has clearly thrown its political weight behind the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment, viewing it as a pivotal opportunity to rectify systemic governance flaws and deepen democracy through decentralization. By advocating for the constitutional recognition and protection of local governments and insisting on the uninterrupted electoral process for municipal bodies, the MQM-P is pushing for reforms that would empower citizens at the grassroots. Their measured and proactive approach, urging focus on establishing a clear and effective legal framework rather than yielding to apprehension, underscores a mature political stance. The party’s core demand—that provincial autonomy must be complemented by genuine local autonomy—highlights their vision for a more efficient, inclusive, and democratically continuous Pakistan, making their input central to the final consensus on this significant constitutional revision.
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