MQM Chairman Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui declared that in Sindh, a shadowy ‘system’ operates above the political order, shaping governance beyond democratic accountability
By Ahsan Mughal
KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM) and Awami National Party (ANP) came together in a show of unity, voicing their shared concern over Karachi’s deteriorating law and order, road safety, and administrative failures – particularly the alarming rise in fatal accidents involving dumpers and water tankers.
Addressing a joint press conference after a meeting at MQM’s Bahadurabad headquarters, Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Syed Mustafa Kamal, and Shahi Syed condemned what they described as the Sindh government’s persistent neglect and “systemic injustice” towards the country’s largest city.
In a sharp rebuke, MQM Chairman Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said, “In Sindh, a ‘system’ exists that is above the political system itself.” He lamented that while compensation is often awarded to victims of illicit alcohol poisoning, those crushed by out-of-control dumpers receive no such justice or state recognition. “This double standard exposes the government’s skewed priorities,” he added.
The leaders emphasized that the recurring tragedies involving heavy vehicles were not ethnic in nature, but rather stemmed from administrative incompetence. Mustafa Kamal underscored that “no Pukhtun gets behind the wheel of a dumper intending to harm a Muhajir, and vice versa.” He insisted that this was not a community conflict, but a policy failure that the Sindh government has failed to address.
“These drivers are often unlicensed, untrained, and in some cases, under the influence,” Dr. Siddiqui noted. “Yet, there is no mechanism in place to monitor them. The police, meanwhile, are busy harassing bikers for documents instead of focusing on real dangers.”
Shahi Syed of the ANP echoed the sentiment, stating, “Karachi’s streets have turned lawless. There is no water in taps, only in tankers. Accidents are frequent. And when they happen, drawing weapons in response is equally wrong.” He urged calm and collective action while pointing fingers at the Sindh government’s systemic bias and chronic inefficiency.
The leadership warned against any efforts to push Karachi back into the chaos of its troubled past. “This city contributes enormously in taxes. Its peace ensures Pakistan’s stability,” said Siddiqui. “It must not be abandoned. It must not be turned into Karbala.” If their demands are not met, the MQM leader warned that peaceful protests remain their constitutional right.
The press conference ended on a note of interethnic solidarity, with a pledge to resist any attempts to stir ethnic tensions. The leaders stressed that Karachi must be seen as Pakistan, and its citizens treated with dignity, safety, and equality.
