By Ahsan Mughal
KARACHI: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Pakistan continued its national tree plantation campaign as part of the Green Pakistan Mission with a prominent event in Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town. The ceremony, which started with the recitation of the Quran and naats, saw participants planting trees and plants across various localities in Gulshan-e-Iqbal.
Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Chairman of MQM Pakistan, addressed the gathering, which included MQM members of the National and Provincial Assemblies, City Operational Committee (COC) members, and local residents. In his speech, Dr. Siddiqui underscored Karachi’s pivotal role in the country’s prosperity and development. He remarked, “Karachi has shouldered the responsibility of the nation’s prosperity and development. The city contributes 65% of the national budget and supports the salaries of the entire government. Yet, the contributions of this city are frequently overlooked. The prosperity of Karachi is integral to the overall prosperity of Pakistan.”
Dr. Siddiqui also took the opportunity to criticize recent national policies, particularly focusing on the impact of a protest led by Jamaat-e-Islami. He claimed that the protest, rather than addressing the concerns, resulted in increased electricity costs for the city. “The protest, intended to address issues, has ironically led to even higher electricity prices. Our city has been adorned in many colors over the years, but never made green,” he said. Despite the criticism of national policies, Dr. Siddiqui praised MQM’s ongoing tree plantation drive. He highlighted that the campaign is a testament to MQM’s commitment and the support from its allies, rather than relying on government resources.
“The greenery of our city is not just an environmental concern but a necessity for Pakistan’s future,” he added. In response to media inquiries about the MQM’s stance on the Governor of Sindh, Dr. Siddiqui stated that decisions would be made through internal consultations and emphasized the need for negotiations with key political figures, including Imran Khan. The event concluded with Dr. Siddiqui and other assembly members participating in tree planting activities, reinforcing MQM’s commitment to enhancing the city’s green spaces and promoting environmental sustainability.
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