By Asghar Ali Mubarak
ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly witnessed a heated exchange between Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) during debate over the Gul Plaza tragedy in Karachi.
Representatives of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement–Pakistan (MQM-P) called for the creation of new administrative units and the strengthening of local government institutions, framing the move as a necessary step to improve governance in Karachi. Speaking after the tragic fire at Gul Plaza, party leader Farooq Sattar said the incident had “burned in the hearts of every citizen of Karachi,” reflecting the deep shock and grief that had swept the city.
Sattar emphasized that the proposal to establish new administrative divisions should not be seen as an attempt to divide the country. Instead, he described it as a measure aimed at making local governance more effective and responsive to the needs of citizens. He also urged political leaders across party lines to refrain from exploiting the tragedy for political gain, stressing that public welfare must take precedence over partisan interests.
Responding, PPP’s Shahla Raza said her party was not politicizing the matter but reminded lawmakers of the governments in power in 2002 and 2003, noting decisions at the time that allowed commercial expansion in the city. She stressed that in emergencies, it was the response of rescue authorities, rather than the presence of ministers, that mattered.
The confrontation highlighted ongoing tensions over city governance and accountability in the aftermath of the tragic fire, underscoring demands for administrative reform in Karachi.
