ISLAMABAD: MQM-Pakistan underscored the importance of constitutional guarantees and enhanced powers for local governments on Wednesday. Farooq Sattar reassured that there is no need for concern or alarm over the proposed 27th Amendment.
Staying true to its longstanding support for strong local governance, the MQM-Pakistan leadership reiterated their stance while addressing media representatives outside the Parliament House. They expressed hope that the 27th Amendment would secure constitutional safeguards for the local government system.
Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui highlighted that it was the party itself that initiated contact with the government regarding the 27th Amendment. He emphasized that their sole demand, both during discussions on the 26th Amendment and now, remained strong local governments supported by constitutional protections.
Siddiqui commented on Pakistan’s current challenges, describing them as one of the worst periods in the country’s history. He firmly believed that empowering local governments could address many of the pressing issues.
The proposed 27th Amendment also includes a provision to reassign education to the federal jurisdiction. Siddiqui supported this idea, emphasizing the need for a unified national syllabus.
He further stated that the 27th Amendment aims to promote good governance and foster greater harmony among provinces.
Echoing similar views, Farooq Sattar stressed the necessity of expanding laws concerning local governments. He noted that after achieving provincial autonomy through the 18th Amendment, it was now time to empower local governments with autonomy as well.
