By our correspondent
KARACHI: Senior Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) leader Dr Farooq Sattar on Saturday announced the launch of a city-wide “Save Karachi” campaign, emphasising that the survival and economic stability of Pakistan are intrinsically linked to the development of its largest metropolis.
Speaking at a press conference at MQM-P headquarters in Bahadurabad, Dr Sattar said that despite being treated unfairly, Karachi contributes more than 65 per cent of federal revenues, 95 per cent of provincial revenue, and 50 per cent of national exports. He warned that unless the city’s fundamental rights were safeguarded, national progress would remain at risk.
“Pakistan can only be saved if Karachi is saved first,” Dr Sattar said. “The city must once again be empowered to play the vital role it has historically held.” He recalled 10 May 2025 as a landmark day when the party achieved what he termed the “Battle for Justice,” crediting Field Marshal Asim Munir, the federal government, and the people for the success.
MQM-P leader said the next focus would be the “Battle for the Economy,” aiming to accelerate development and make Pakistan economically self-reliant. He reiterated party’s commitment to the Constitution, state, and armed forces, emphasising that the party now operates solely within Pakistan, independent of its founder.
Dr Sattar expressed concern over dangerous open drains, unmanaged fatal heavy traffic, and obstacles to education, including MD-CAT and board exam challenges. He further said these issues were forced to compromise the future of Karachi’s youth. The campaign will engage stakeholders across all sectors, including traders, educators, and lawyers, culminating in a large seminar to formulate a joint action plan.
MQM-P central leader Haider Abbas Rizvi accused authorities of deliberately ignoring the Karachi Strategic Development Plan 2020, alleging misappropriation of around 8 trillion rupees. “A former bureaucrat noted that 3.4 trillion rupees, rightful to Karachi, were withheld from the city,” Rizvi said. “MQM-P will continue its struggle to restore the city’s lights and ensure economic stability.”
The press conference was attended by Senator Khalida Atif, National Assembly members Neghat Shakeel and Farhan Chishti, Provincial Assembly members Ejaz Haq, Musarrat Jabeen, Sikandar Khatoon, Jamal Ahmed, Faisal Rafiq, and senior party leaders including Shabbir Qaimkhani, Zahid Mansoori, and Irshad Zafar.
