By Saima Baloch
KARACHI: Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Chairman of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) and Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training, voiced strong criticism of the government’s handling of Karachi’s educational and health sectors during the Improvement Conference organized by the Luminary Learning Circle Foundation at the North Karachi Campus. As the chief guest, Dr. Siddiqui expressed frustration over the city’s continued reliance on aid despite its substantial tax contributions.
“This city is our ancestors’ trust, and Karachi holds the future of this country. Despite once being the capital, Karachi continues to fulfill its responsibilities diligently even after losing its governmental status. If, after contributing the highest taxes to the government, its educational and health institutions still rely on aid, it is a clear case of malicious intent,” Dr. Siddiqui said. He criticized the lack of essential services, such as ambulance services, highlighting that Karachi’s contributions should warrant better treatment.
Dr. Siddiqui further lamented the state of the country compared to its neighbors. “Neighboring countries have transformed their populations from burdens into assets and achieved developed status. China has lifted over 200 million people out of poverty, whereas we have forcefully pushed them into it. The opposition from so-called ‘ours’ is pushing the country’s bright future into darkness,” he stated. He lamented that Pakistan, founded in just seven years, has not been managed according to its original purpose in its 77-year history, criticizing what he termed as the worst form of feudalistic democracy in the world.
Najeeb Haroon, Chairman of the Luminary Learning Circle Foundation, addressed the gathering with a positive outlook. “These young children are the invincible future of Pakistan. By turning unusable spaces into functional ones, we have tried to illuminate the lives of children who were away from education with the light of knowledge. We are striving to create an institution that will provide the country with motivated, robust, and productive individuals,” he said.
The conference saw the participation of various members of the National and Provincial Assemblies, including renowned cricketer Javed Miandad, and officials from North Karachi Town and Union Councils. Dr. Siddiqui’s remarks underscore a call for reform and enhanced support for Karachi’s vital sectors, reflecting broader concerns about national governance and development.
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