KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) Chairman Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui has announced street protests to push for the creation of new provinces in Pakistan.
Siddiqui said the party had already raised the issue in parliament and political forums.
“Now it is time to take our strength to the streets,” he said.
He made the remarks while addressing an MQM-P women’s convention in New Karachi.
MQM Plans First Rally in Central Karachi
Siddiqui said MQM-P would hold its first protest and rally in Karachi’s Central District.
He announced that the rally would take place next Sunday during the daytime.
The MQM-P chief said the demand for new provinces is not limited to Karachi.
According to him, people in other parts of Pakistan are also calling for new provinces.
He named Lahore, Peshawar, Multan and Larkana among the cities where the issue should be discussed.
Siddiqui said MQM-P does not seek a separate province only for Karachi.
Instead, he said the party wants new administrative units across Pakistan.
Siddiqui Says New Provinces Are the Priority
The MQM-P chairman said the demand for new provinces is more important than political positions.
He said ministerial posts and seats in the national and provincial assemblies are not the party’s main strength.
“Our strength is the streets, and now the decision will be made on the streets,” he said.
Siddiqui also said MQM-P was withdrawing its earlier demand for greater local government powers.
“Now we will seek a province, and after that we will make our own local government law,” he said.
However, he stressed that Pakistan could not be divided.
He said the creation of new provinces and administrative units was possible without breaking up the country.
He also rejected the idea that dividing provinces should be treated as treason.
MQM-P Rejects Sindhudesh Demand
Siddiqui also spoke against the Sindhudesh movement.
He said Sindhudesh could not be created as long as even one Muhajir remained alive.
He described Pakistan as a trust passed on by the country’s founders.
Siddiqui also told women workers to take an active role in the party’s campaign.
He called on them to join the planned rally next Sunday.
Kishwar Zehra Backs New Provinces
Former MNA and MQM-P leader Kishwar Zehra also addressed the convention.
She said the Muhajir identity remains a matter of pride for the community.
Zehra said Karachi still lacks basic public services despite the creation of Pakistan in 1947.
She described new provinces as an important need of the present time.
“Karachi is boiling. We need to wake up and listen to what MQM is saying,” she said.
She also made clear that MQM-P wants new administrative units across the country.
Nasreen Jalil Says Demand Is Part of MQM Manifesto
Senior MQM-P leader Nasreen Jalil said the demand for new provinces is not new.
She said the proposal has long been part of the MQM manifesto.
Jalil said many people outside MQM-P now also support the idea of creating new provinces.
She added that the women’s convention aimed to highlight the importance of women’s views on the issue.
MQM-P leaders also urged party workers and women to take part in next Sunday’s rally in Karachi.
