Islamabad: (Tassawar News) The ongoing discourse surrounding the federal government’s proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment has been met with a pragmatic and measured response from the Muttahida Qaumi Movement–Pakistan (MQM-P). In a significant media appearance, the party’s leadership articulated a clear vision that transcends political alarmism, instead advocating for a steadfast focus on effective legislative formulation designed to fortify governance across all administrative strata. This approach signals a constructive engagement with the proposed constitutional overhaul, prioritizing institutional efficacy over confrontational politics.
Addressing members of the press alongside senior party figures, including Convener Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and veteran leader Dr. Farooq Sattar, the MQM-P offered a nuanced perspective on the impending constitutional changes. Dr. Siddiqui, in particular, sought to reassure the public, asserting that the amendment should not be a source of anxiety, but rather an opportunity for systemic improvement.
The Amendment as a Conduit for Good Governance
Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui framed the 27th Amendment as fundamentally revolving around the twin objectives of good governance and markedly improved coordination between federal, provincial, and local tiers of government. This perspective directly addresses the long-standing democratic deficit in Pakistan, particularly the perceived failure of governance to translate effectively to the grassroots level. Dr. Siddiqui’s comments underscore a foundational principle of the MQM-P’s political ideology:
“We have long maintained that the true spirit of democracy should reach the people. The 27th Amendment provides a crucial juncture to codify and ensure that power is effectively devolved where it matters most—to the citizen.”
This assertion highlights the party’s persistent demand for genuine, functional devolution of power. The MQM-P has proactively engaged the executive branch, confirming direct contact with the Prime Minister regarding the amendment’s content. A core tenet of their submission is the imperative for local governments to be formally recognised and enshrined as constitutional entities. This legislative protection, they argue, is indispensable. Furthermore, Siddiqui proposed a crucial oversight mechanism, calling for the Supreme Court of Pakistan to oversee and ensure compliance with this principle of constitutional protection for municipal governments. This proposal demonstrates a desire to institutionalize local autonomy, shielding it from potential political interference at the provincial level.
Addressing Grassroots Issues Through Constitutional Reform
The rationale behind the MQM-P’s advocacy is rooted in administrative efficiency and public service delivery. Empowering local governments, according to Siddiqui, is the most efficacious method to address grassroots issues more efficiently. The party acknowledges the public interest surrounding the development, noting that “For several days now, people have been reaching out to us about this amendment,” suggesting a heightened public awareness and expectation for reforms that genuinely enhance administrative harmony and the delivery of essential public services. The party’s willingness to support reforms focused on these outcomes signals a pragmatic approach consistent with their focus on urban governance.
Dr. Farooq Sattar, a seasoned leader within the party, further elaborated on the necessity of embedding local government laws within the constitutional framework. He reiterated the importance of legislative clarity regarding electoral cycles: “The constitution should clearly mention that once the tenure of a local government ends, new elections must be held immediately.” This demand directly addresses the historically observed tendency of provincial governments to delay local body elections, thereby undermining the democratic mandate at the city and district levels.
Dr. Sattar also contextualized the proposed changes within the broader evolution of the Pakistani state, asserting that constitutional amendments are a “normal and necessary part of a developing democracy.” He dismissed any growing public anxiety, viewing the amendment as an institutional maturation process:
“No one should be surprised or anxious about the 27th Amendment. It is a step toward strengthening democracy, helping our institutions to evolve progressively over time.”
His emphasis on the need to further define and refine local governance laws is critical. While the 18th Amendment granted significant autonomy to the provinces, the MQM-P’s position is clear: the spirit of devolution must penetrate further, asserting that alongside provincial autonomy, local autonomy must also be ensured. This demand represents a critical challenge to the prevailing provincial hegemony over local administration.
The Context of Urban Governance and Political Strategy
The MQM-P leadership’s consistent stance is inextricably linked to its historical political base and core policy objectives. The party has long championed the cause of greater devolution of power, particularly to the burgeoning urban centers of Sindh, such as Karachi and Hyderabad, which often feel underserved and politically marginalized under provincial administration. The impending 27th Amendment is thus viewed as a strategic opportunity to formally constitutionalize these foundational demands within Pakistan’s supreme legal framework.
The backdrop to this debate is the federal government’s official announcement to introduce the 27th Constitutional Amendment, which aims at addressing systemic issues of governance, accountability, and institutional balance. The ongoing consultations with coalition partners and key stakeholders signal a concerted effort to build consensus before the bill is tabled in the National Assembly on November 14.
Observers of the Pakistani political scene have interpreted the MQM-P’s statement as a highly measured and constructive response. By signaling an immediate willingness to engage in legislative discussions rather than opting for political confrontation, the party adopts a pragmatic approach. The strategic emphasis on strengthening democratic institutions through precise lawmaking, rather than engaging in speculative or alarmist rhetoric, aligns perfectly with the party’s policy focus on effective urban governance and structural reform. This position enhances the party’s stature as a credible, policy-focused coalition partner.
Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment for Local Self-Governance
The MQM-P’s proactive and constructive engagement with the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment places the issue of local self-governance squarely at the forefront of the national legislative agenda. By advocating for the constitutional recognition of municipal bodies, judicial oversight, and the guaranteed timely conduct of local elections, the party seeks to rectify long-standing structural imbalances that have hindered effective governance at the grassroots level. This stance is not merely a political manoeuvre; it represents a deep commitment to the principle that democratic maturity is best reflected in the efficient, autonomous functioning of local government. As the date for the National Assembly deliberation approaches, the core debate will pivot on the extent to which the federal government is willing to incorporate these critical demands for local autonomy—a decision that will profoundly shape Pakistan’s governance structure and the future trajectory of its democratic decentralisation efforts. The successful resolution of this legislative moment promises a genuine strengthening of the country’s institutional edifice.
