MQM’s Farooq Sattar flays PTI over decentralisation debate

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MQM’s Farooq Sattar flays PTI over decentralisation debate

Dawn.com Published September 19, 2014

ISLAMABAD: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Farooq Sattar on Friday called out the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) for talking about decentralised governance in other parts of the country, while in Sindh, the party was pursuing a completely different strategy.

Speaking to media representatives outside Parliament, Sattar said Sindh was generating high revenues for the treasury, of which he alleged very little was being given back to the province.

MQM has upped the ante over its decentralisation demand across the country - and Sindh in particular. MQM Chief Altaf Hussain recently stated that more administrative units and provinces should be created for strengthening the country.

This demand comes at a time when PTI Chairman Imran Khan is scheduled to address party workers in Karachi on September 21. PTI, which is currently holding sit-in protests in Islamabad for over a month, has a strong presence in Karachi where workers have been regularly organising rallies since the beginning of the Azadi march on August 14. This is why the city was selected as Imran’s first stop in what PTI has called the party’s attempts to spread its movement to other parts of the country.

In his address to a crowd in Islamabad late on Thursday, the PTI chairman said he was coming to free Karachi from the shackles "of a mafia" and "the fear enveloping the people of Karachi".

Also read: Altaf reiterates call for more provinces

Referring to the PTI’s upcoming rally in Karachi, Sattar said: “Sure, take out a rally in Karachi if you want, but how will you face the people of Karachi and Hyderabad if you will not show sensitivity to the violation of their rights?”

The MNA added that those who were raising their voice regarding the strengthening of democracy and Parliament should also discuss how over-centralisation of power had become problematic for Pakistan and was a hindrance to the country's development.

“We need to have governance in accordance with the requirements of an area; we need to think about where the formation of more provinces is necessary and where the creation of more administrative units is important,” Sattar said.

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Rizwan

Sep 19, 2014 04:10pm

poor man ...qurbani ki khalen inko dena bhai

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Israr Khan Ismailzai

Sep 19, 2014 04:13pm

Funny how this party and PPP have been in power for so long in Sindh and they didnt really do any good for the common people ( just like N league in Punjab).They couldn't even control the law and order situation in the province, what a shame.

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Youth

Sep 19, 2014 04:18pm

Call for more provinces throughout Pakistan is very much justified. To start with Sindh should have at least four provinces while Punjab should at least have 8 provinces. Unless more provinces & several small & big Dams are created Pakistan will not develop & will remain at the mercy of flood both indigenous & created by India.

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Khan

Sep 19, 2014 04:57pm

Let me correct you about the Sindh government situation you seems to miss that: Please go check who had the responsibility all those years for bringing peace in the city, yes it was and still PPP has taken that responsibility. MQM had controal only during Musharaf time and that was the most peaceful time in last 25 years.

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Parvez

Sep 19, 2014 05:00pm

So, the PTI is playing politics of self interest........something you'll do so well.......so why complain?

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Angry

Sep 19, 2014 05:05pm

What were you doing in the last government with PPP.

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A A

Sep 19, 2014 05:15pm

I agree for more province in Pakistan but util people greeting benefits. For now more province going to be good for parties to have Govt in their strong hold.. First all parties should bring new laws and show enforcement justice equal treatment etc. For me at this time make no deference you have more province or not.

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raj

Sep 19, 2014 05:22pm

MQM is absolutely right as all the powers are with Federal and selected Provincial government. MQM cannot bring any development like it did during the Musharraf era. People hate MQM for the sake of hating but would not indulge in a sensible debate backed up facts.

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M. Siddique

Sep 19, 2014 05:22pm

I think MQM is worried about Imran lest he shakes up their patronage of several mafias in Karachi. If I were in MQM leadership I would worry too.

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Viking Star

Sep 19, 2014 05:43pm

@Khan Yes it was peaceful time but not specifically for Karachi but whole country, NOT because of MQM but because of a "leader" Musharraf. Economy was booming, more industries, more jobs, people had money in their pockets.

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nak

Sep 19, 2014 05:56pm

@Israr Khan Ismailzai Its not really funny Mr. Israr. what's really funny is folks like you who don't really know whats going on in Sindh has an opinion about MQM. MQM is a positive force who have done excellent for everyone living in Karachi when they got the opportunity. The fact that MQM has absolute majority in Karachi but they are not given their due share of power and resource is the reason MQM and people of Karachi complain. Sindh nationalist parties and federal govt play double standards.

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roarwali

Sep 19, 2014 06:01pm

Nothing but they are afraid of PTI presence in Karachi

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Zeeshan Shahid

Sep 19, 2014 06:01pm

Imran Khan (April 8, 2012): I support the cause of Hazara Province - we need to have small provinces all across Pakistan for better administration of our cities. Source: Check Imran Khan (official) Facebook page. There cannot be two different policies in a single party for administrative division of two different provinces.

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Jawad

Sep 19, 2014 06:06pm

MQM is real. With genuine demand of making more provinces that deserves a serious discussion. Same for Punjab and other provinces. This is one way to split the power and give it back to people ( along with LB ) This will probably lead to more development. As of now both Sindh and Punjab have become personal property of 2 families. ( a huge hurdle in improving quality of life of a poor man. )

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carzy

Sep 19, 2014 06:13pm

both pp & mqm playing a sindhi and mahajir cards to wash out the upcoming effects of IK visit.

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Harmony

Sep 19, 2014 06:16pm

What's the deal with "more administrative units"? So, more party workers can get on the government's payroll???

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Arisha G

Sep 19, 2014 06:20pm

What is the definition of the 'class' they claim to represent? Is it only the people who migrated from India that settled in karachi? Only urdu speaking? Don't get me wrong. I come from the same background. And I know the issues that they primarily talked off when this started some 30+ years ago were genuine. Leaving aside the fact how the PARTY itself has done anything constructive to resolve it, can we ask them to really define the Mohajir term? What about those people who came from across the brider - mostly Punjab, Kashmir, Sindh whose mother tongue is not Urdu? A genuine question. No trolling intended nor any criticism just for the sake of it. any answers anyone ..from the MQM supporters?

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Arisha G

Sep 19, 2014 06:22pm

@nak Name those things please. Answers with proper references would be appreciated to back up arguments put forward.

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Khan

Sep 19, 2014 06:25pm

If PTI announce Muhajir province and struggle for Muhajir province I can vote for them but they have different policies for Muhajirs. In KPK they present a resolution for Hazara province but scared in Sindh to talk about a new province. As Qadri said that there should be 20 provinces he is very right about provinces.

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saeed

Sep 19, 2014 06:26pm

“Sure, take out a rally in Karachi if you want, but how will you face the people of Karachi and Hyderabad if you will not show sensitivity to the violation of their rights?” Simple, Imran does not represent those Karachiites whose rights are violated. Imran represents the people who violate the rights of Karachiites.

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Jamila

Sep 19, 2014 06:29pm

PTI can not even able manage a small city like Peshawar because they have elite and feudal class in their leadership. Imran is a billionaire, Asad is a billionaire, Jehangeer is a billionaire. There is a long list. No vision no agenda only violence is their agenda.

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Sep 19, 2014 06:29pm

I am from india and am trying to understand the different policy preferences of the major political parties. Can someone elaborate the economic outlook of pmln, ppp, mqm, pti and ji etc. I am still confused as to which party has leftist, center or rightist economic outlook. My efforts to find info on the web has been very confusing Thanks in advance.

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Ghayoor

Sep 19, 2014 06:35pm

MQM has never had power in Karachi. Mayor does not mean that they have powers. In large cities revenue generation and city police is controled by city govt, such as New York has NYPD(New York Police Department) and they also generate their revenue. In Karachi even though there was a mayor and he proved but law and order was provincial responsibility and all the police force consist of people from Punjab , KPK or interior Sindh. There are hardly any locals in Karachi.

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Just a thought

Sep 19, 2014 06:36pm

Criticism for the sake of criticism is not good. People should realize that what MQM and it's leadership is saying is very much true. Imran Khan have dual standards he support Hazara province but when it comes to Sind/Karachi he shy away from the topic. Come on people open up your eyes. I can guarantee you that if God forbid he becomes the PM our generation/s to come will never forgive us.

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raj

Sep 19, 2014 06:38pm

@Viking Star When MQM had power given to it by Musharraf there was local body election and Nazims were active as oppose to Provincial Administrators we have today. No wonder MQM cannot gets its way to show what it is capable of. Lets talk facts and not hate.

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Sikandar

Sep 19, 2014 06:39pm

Sindh's urban centers must be converted into a separate province to avoide the monopoly of feudal lords. Name a single Muhajir who have been a chief minister of SIndh. There is none. If Muhajir who are born in Sindh but they cannot be Chief minister because they are not Sindhis then for sure they need a new administrative area to protect their rights. There must be a new province or Pakistan will not change.

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raj

Sep 19, 2014 06:41pm

@M. Siddique If you think MQM is worried then you are mistaken, you've probably heard of shutting down Karachi and Hydrabad in just 10 min, well PTI or any other party cannot beat that.

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faheem shah

Sep 19, 2014 06:43pm

I have seen some interviews from Karachi while voters list verification process. They were complaining about moving their votes to their permanent addresses. Amongst them were some living in Karachi for the past 30-35 year yet still have permanent residence of Punjab and Pakhtoon khoa. This is the proof of deprivation of being Karachiete that people dont want to have its domicile. Unfortunately in Pakistan we cannot scientifically analyse things as we lack information. To me it looks like most of the people who voted for PTI were non-Karachietes (different domicile). This is the max PTI could have achieved from Karachi. Its best time for MQM to naked PTI on their Karachi instance. I am sure it would always be different from other parts of the country. An eye opener and refresher course for permanent residents of Karachi.

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DOn

Sep 19, 2014 06:46pm

Bangladesh was one province with Pakistan now 21 provinces in Bangladesh. They growth is very high their taka is stronger than rupee. Karachi runs the whole country but it's being ruled by Sindhi feudals whereas Urban Muhajir is struggling even though they are well qualified. Karachi alone has literacy rate over 85%. Most of the crimes are in karachi because of Land Mafia criminals from other province and Karachi police which is corrupt. There are hardly any people from Karachi in Karachi police. There should be a movement to make Karachi a province so Karachi can become like large cities are in the world.

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Mir Zahir

Sep 19, 2014 06:48pm

Imran Khan the one in fact who is for decentralization or devolution of power & money across the country.

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raj

Sep 19, 2014 06:49pm

There is only one Mafia which called the TTP, land and target killers, all these were backed by PTI and Jamaat-e-Islaami. This is the fact according to Media news reels (Dunya TV, Dawn news, GEO, ARY) on 6th July 2014. PTI would not touch the TTP but would stir trouble for elected parties whose forefathers have created Pakistan.

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raj

Sep 19, 2014 06:50pm

You must have been sleeping when MQM had given incharge of Karachi to Mustafa Kamal.

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Shafiq khan kakezai

Sep 19, 2014 06:52pm

@Youth That will create a large number of jobs for the babu jees, not a single job for a production worker. Service industry is essential but unless production job are created babu jees do not produce any wealth for the country. The defence forces, the babu jees in all the service industries can make a country prosperous. A labourer on a building site is produing more than a general sitting in his comfortable seat. Say no to all afforts to increase more service jobs. Say yes to production industries.

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Key Points

Sep 19, 2014 06:58pm

Yes, great injustice to people of Sindh, and specially in city of Karachi. Before critizing others, do some soul searching yourself. You are getting pretty good on blame game & speeches. You & your party have been part of sindh government for a long time. Any one ready your statements might say, What the heck this guy is complaining about now? He has done nothing show for his political leadership, has not stopped crime rate, has not stopped target killing and has not stopped bhatta chargers in Karachi. Do you really think anyone should accept you as a leader? Political leaders who cannot deliver, should not be drawing big salary, perks and all the security paid by poor taxpayers. Such lleaders should resign and find different line of work. Please consider resigning SOON. Thankyou.

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Jawad

Sep 19, 2014 07:02pm

If PTI has a split opinion regarding provinces it's strange . Very strange. They have to come up with justification. No matter what MQM is a real force with valid demands and reasoning. Either make smaller units or provinces every where or not at all. I favor the 1 st option. Most importantly LBs will be a good beginning. Problem with PPP is that they can not swallow the fact that they have very little vote bank in Karachi. Yet they want control. After all that's where the money is. I am certain that if the tables were turned Zardari would happily agree to it. As of now , how can he let go of a chicken with golden eggs ?

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Syed Mukhtar Hussain

Sep 19, 2014 07:10pm

Yes this point has not been touched by Imran Khan and he never mentioned DECENTRALIZATION of power like QADRI Sb.

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Jawad

Sep 19, 2014 07:12pm

If IK is serious about Karachi vote bank. He will have to listen to their demands not his party's suggestions. If he dreaming of becoming PM. He should remember that Once you become PM -- you are the PM of all the people and you become obligated to listen to them , not your party. I don't know what the majority wants but starting with LB elections and giving power back to people will be a good start. From there it can be further discussed. Once the REAL Parliament with REAL representatives of people meet --- it would be easier to come to conclusions. Before that --- it's all politics with same old political statements and promises. It's about time we see something actually happen rather than false promises. That goes for all the party's with stake in politics. Including IK. We know by now that NS or Zardari will NOT allow LBs. ATLEAST we have some hope in IK. Hopefully he will get it right.

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Khanani

Sep 19, 2014 07:13pm

Muhajir province is the only solution for Karachi's problems. MQM has taken a good initiative let's proceed with it and whoever is against it just ignor them. Muhajir province is a must.

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Buzzer

Sep 19, 2014 07:20pm

MQM: Been in government with PML-Q + been in government with PPP = Didn't do squat.

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Arif A. Khan

Sep 19, 2014 07:27pm

MQM blows every subject out of proportion, it is their old habbit. Ever since Imran Khan has announced to attend dharna at Karachi these so-called "owners" of the City have started demanding a new Province,Now they catch a statement by PTI members & start creating a drama, as a matter of fact they can not repair big cracks within their Party caused due to PTI Election campaign & results of 2013 Elections, PTI's popularity & Jalsa in North Nazimabad last week has caused great anxiety among MQM and that is the reason why Altaf Hussain taunted his Rabita Committee and Karachi Tanzeem and came up with a new idea of creating new Provinces. As for Revenue generation, I do not know why MQM is misleading people from long time? We all know that major part of Pakistan's Revenue is generated from Karachi because of the fact that Head Offices of almost all blue chip Companies, 2 major Sea Ports, and Pakistan's largest (Karachi Airport) are located in Karachi. These Companies operate all over Pakistan but file their Taxes from Karachi this does not mean that all their revenue is generated by Karachi. If you visit factories in Karachi you will see that 95% owners are non-Mohajirs & almost 99% of workforce is not from Karachi so what is the big deal about this 3 decade about creating such a misconception. Keeping in view high standards of Journalism I am sure that Dawn will print this comment as it will clear minds of many readers and will be an eye opener, with due respect every Political Party in Pakistan has a right to express its views publicly, MQM wants Provinces in Sind and PTI does not want them,OK but why this announcement of protest on PTI's view.

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One Nation

Sep 19, 2014 07:43pm

I don't know why MQM is using PTI's name. PTI is not against smaller provinces and stands for devolution of power. It is PPP, which has raised the emotional naara.

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masood

Sep 19, 2014 07:44pm

Well said, the only real democratic party in Pakistan. Pick any one, PP, junk of most corrupt and illiterate people. PML-N, only small group of upper class of Lahore and big cities chaudharies's party. ANP, because my grand's Paa was freedom fighter in 1947 who select Pakistan after referendum. JUI-F, Because my father was great Mufti of Dera Ismail Khan. All these parties have millionaires and billionaires MNAs and MPAs.

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optimist

Sep 19, 2014 07:57pm

Imran Khan should consider Karachiates and new Sindhis as equal citizens if he wants their votes. He talks about local bidies elections but does nopt support LB elections in Karachi, he talks about provinces [ 20 provinces demanded by TAQ] but will not support decentralization in Sind. If NS is the king of Pakistan then Qaim Ali Shah is the shahinshah od Sind for life. Imran crotocizes Shahbaz Shareef but SS performance is million times better than Qaim Ali Shah.The CM of sind only goes to flood affexted areas with either Bilawal, Zardari or NS he never visited the effected areas alone.

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Sab Se Pehle Pakistan

Sep 19, 2014 08:03pm

I agree with you Farooq Sattar. Don't worry we know IK do not belong to Karachi and Hyderabad and he will never raise voice for our rights like MQM. His loyalties will never be with us, we have seen that during his cricketing carrer. We support the notion GO NAWAZ GO because that is better for the nation and IK is right in his demands as Altaf Hussein also mentioned that majority of IK and Allama's demands are justified. Karachi and Hyderabad knows our only true representation is MQM and Karachi and Hyderabad will always be MQM's. We loveand appreciate the work MQM has done for us.

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Somoro

Sep 19, 2014 08:19pm

BLAME IMRAN for all problems but MQM and PPP have been in power for so long in Sindh and they didnt really do any good for the common people. Sharifs has been in power in Punjab and Punjab is under water year after year. Bhata party couldn't even control the law and order situation in Sindh and they blame others for problems and ask to make small units now.... as if all problems will go away with magic wand.

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mohammed

Sep 19, 2014 08:31pm

After reading all comments so far I have understanding that all argument is MQM and so on. AT THIS POINT i REQUEST EVERY ONE NOT MAKE THIS ISSUE OF SINDHI OR NON SINDHI. When i say this I like to say for the better Pakistan we need more administrative unit or more province what ever we may call and in next 10years I am sure we all will say this should have been done long ago. We all are Pakistani and we all love Pakistan.

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Karachilover

Sep 19, 2014 08:47pm

Altaf set a trap and PTI got itself caught in it.

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Shan

Sep 19, 2014 08:47pm

More administrative units in Sindh is the need of the hour. Karachi alone should be a province.

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saeed

Sep 19, 2014 08:52pm

@Somoro MQM was only in power during Musharraf's time. All other times they were trying to save their skin. Dont you remember interior minister Zulfiqar Mirza? MQM did an excellent job during Musharraf's time although MQM still could not make those happy who live in Karachi but have their permanent addresses outside karachi. Same people are the supporters of PTI.

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Maleeha

Sep 19, 2014 09:17pm

@optimist "Wil not" so here are people who are ready to Punish IK even for his future crimes which they "THINK' Ik will commit. PTI stands for devolution and its PPP who is against it. So stop supporting PPP thugs in parliament and stand by PTI which has solution to every problem these ethnic groups have created among poor people; to get theirselves into parliaments!

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Maleeha

Sep 19, 2014 09:21pm

@Sab Se Pehle Pakistan Always thinking in terms of just @Hyderabad and @Karachi rights. Plz develop National thinking-A sincere leader even if not from Karachi is need of the day rather those who had been in power for more than 20 years and could win nothing for them. Give IK a chance atleast !

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Abdul Fatah solangi

Sep 19, 2014 09:28pm

administrative units in sindh are surely the need of the hour. one person ( the CM) can not run the administration of the entire province properly. so I agree with DR. FAROOQ SATAR on this point.

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Zafar

Sep 19, 2014 09:29pm

Smaller 20+ provinces is must but our current lot of politicians never permit this. PMLN and PPP will not have billions to spend on their pet projects plus kickbacks. We will have to wait for next Army General's take over and make the provinces before trying to becoming democrat and asking same corrupt lot to join him as the past Generals have done

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Imran Khan

Sep 19, 2014 09:32pm

I fully endorse and support MQM’s statement. “If any place we need to create administrative units that will be sindh/karachi”. You can make sarcastic, vulgar, insulting, and caustic remark about it, based on your level. But You cannot hide, cover, veil the ground reality and truth. It is very unfortunate and ironic that instead of facing truth we just hush up and ignore it. Like we have covered our head in the ground from Taliban so far. If we have Aql-e-Saleem, then crating more administrative units, first start from Sindh/Karachi is inevitable. Else, we cannot stand longer on Zulm and Injustice. Secondly, in politics 101, when there is a strong concentration and Polarization of a major political influence, it is not advisable to poke around and explore. Instead create collaboration, coalition and coexistence environment. Explore those area where there is week Polarization or mostly Lotey/Bikoa maal. Else, there will be a clash and the country cannot afford that anymore. Learn from Pervez Musharraf how he successfully manages that and Pakistan grew in his era. Or at least learn from your neighbor country how successfully they are managing the most intense polarized political environment in their country. My humble advice to PTI would be create an acceptance and collaborative joint with MQM, instead of trying to WIN Karachi.

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Jamima

Sep 19, 2014 09:34pm

MQM has point about creating a separate province in Sindh for urban population. If IK is against then who cares.

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M.Saeed

Sep 19, 2014 09:37pm

Karachi has nothing common with the rest of Sindh. It is a Mini-Pakistan with its population evenly divided according to the national demographic fiber. It therefore needs a very special status consistent with its cosmopolitan nature and not to be kept chained to the Rural Sindh.

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Altafee

Sep 19, 2014 09:37pm

Altaf is the leader and Muhajir province is the destination. Imran Khan is a pathan and he can only protect the rights of pathans. Can imran khan goto lalu khet if not then he cannot protect the rights of Muhajirs.

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Jawad

Sep 19, 2014 09:40pm

IK has to give reasoning for this split stance. Things need to get started with LB elections and a true Parliament that can discuss this further in the Parliament. Till then it's just another naara. And by Parliament I mean true representatives of the people. LBs first. It's about time we see actual things happening rather than excuses excuses and then some more excuses.

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Asad Khan

Sep 19, 2014 09:47pm

@Arif A. Khan The call for creating new provinces is not new so stop this nonsense that it was in response to this Dharna. As far as administration of Karachi is concerned almost all of the major provincial and federal institutions are staffed by people that are not domiciled in Karachi. You wont find that in any other city of Pakistan. Check out the police force of Karachi compared to Lahore-a huge discrepancy The urban/rural divide is the major issue. Have a look at the quota allocation for each provinces if you a haven't done to already. There is reason why majority of Urban Sind population supports MQM, its the unequal distribution of opportunities and resources.

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naseem

Sep 19, 2014 09:49pm

@Arif A. Khan : You have hit the nail on the head. U r so right about the revenue. Example, Unilever, ICI, Engro ++++. Myth that needs to be challenged.

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sharpcomma@yahoo.com

Sep 19, 2014 09:50pm

@Arisha G. its simple... One need to be in power to bring any change. MQM did it when they had power during Musharaf era. Secondly, people have right to pick what they believe is good for them. Asking for additional provinces has nothing to do with Mohajir or any other etinicity. Its about majority of people of certain region believes that their right are being violated due to un fair centralization of power. I do not see any thing wrong with that...

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naseem

Sep 19, 2014 09:52pm

@masood : What abt PTO. IK, Qureshi, Tareen, Asad umer. Millionaires.

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Tariq

Sep 19, 2014 09:54pm

Karachi/ Hyderabad should be a separate province and compare the total revenue collect by the federal govt and show how much is from Karachi ,similarly show the total expenditure and show how much was spent on Karachi. The result would be shocking to Punjab province . I m sure MQM can verify the figures that Karachi would be in surplus if there is a fair distribution of fund allocation based on the % of revenue collected by federal govt from Karachi. Time has come to separate Karachi from sindh and make it a separate province . Do a referendum in Karachi and hyderabad for separate province . Listen to the voice of people of Karachi and Hyderabad.

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SM ZAKI

Sep 19, 2014 10:10pm

No doubt that new provinces should be made including Sindh but While MQM is raising voice for this cause it means its only a political gimmick to divert attention of people from Islamabad sit-ins. PTI is gaining popularity in Sindh and both PPP and MQM are afraid of PTi's growing popularity so slogan of a new province in Sindh is only aimed to regain the political space from PTI in urban and rural Sindh. MQM and PPP both are aware that if fair elections are held they would ultimately be cut to size so they are making their last ditched effort to protect their " so-called dynasties". Anyway like other provinces new provinces should be made in Sindh also.

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Shahid Khan

Sep 19, 2014 10:16pm

If MQM wants more provinces in Sindh then it should pursue that policy more aggressively. Whats the point of criticizing PTI's stance? Every political party is against more provinces in Sindh.

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Cynical

Sep 19, 2014 10:21pm

How many and how small units are we talking about, just in Karachi we can have at least 6 provinces base upon the ethnic groups, and then how will they be represented. We also have several independence movements brewing in Pakistan , what about them. It's a Pandora's box . Btw Scotland said no today !

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shantana ghosh

Sep 19, 2014 10:27pm

@DOn , i am from bangladesh and it has no provinces only divisions and districts, it's still an unified country. one single unit.

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Abubakr

Sep 19, 2014 10:49pm

Politics - A merciless game!

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ali

Sep 19, 2014 11:02pm

The revenue generated in Karachi should stay in Karachi. It is a big city and needs a lot of money to keep it moving.There is shortage of funds for Karachi`s development as a big portion of the money generated here is transferred to other provinces.The other provinces should generate their own funds.They should pay their motor vehicle taxes and all other taxes imposed by governments at different levels.The development seen in Lahore has been funded by donor agencies and also by transferring funds from Karachi.

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Dr. Malek Towghi /Tauqee

Sep 19, 2014 11:18pm

Dear Dr. Farooq Sattar, Thank you for exposing Imran Khan and his PTI's hypocrisy. For all practical purposes, both Imran Khan and Mr. t.Qadri want to end Federalism and re-establish the notorious "One Unit". They should not be allowed to establish new political mafias to further disturb the peace of my city of birth, Karachi. I hope the downtrodden natives of South Sindh including the Balochi speakers, e.g. of my place of birth Lyari, get rid of the PPP and come to some mutual understanding with the MQM on the issue. Malek Towghi, Ph.D., Liaison, Baloch Human Rights International

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Sep 19, 2014 11:20pm

@Jamima it is MQM who is perplexed and acting in desperation!

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Jawad

Sep 19, 2014 11:21pm

@Tariq Do you know where gas comes from ? Or most of the food comes from ? Does Baluchistan get full royalty for gas ? I don't disagree with smaller units but this is not the way to ask for it. We are all Pakistani first. Right ? However , now if we talk about the quality of life will get better , power will come back to people rather than 1 or 2 families , easier to do administration , etc etc and then reason for smaller provinces. I'm for it. But then --- it's you and me but what about rest of the people. How to decide ? Referendum in one city ? Not justice to rest of Pakistan. It is not a local issue. It is a national issue. So -- I think , start with LB. Then fair and clean elections and true representation of people in the Parliament should discuss.

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saeed

Sep 19, 2014 11:27pm

@Arisha G - if you live in Karachi and still do not get it, its surprising. Every group is formed on some basic commonality. The commonality is not the language, as there are urdu, memon, kathiawaries and others. Its not land they came from, because they came from different parts of united india. The commonality is the policy that deprive a certain group in education and employment. I give you an example; I had same percentage in intermediate exam as one of my neighbours nephew who came from Punjab for intermediate exam. He got admission in Dawood Engineering and I could only manage admission in KU in one of the subjects that was not my first choice. Same is true in employment, PIA, FIA, CIA, Police, district management. You go there and check, you will see the same pattern. Do you get it?

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Jawad

Sep 19, 2014 11:33pm

@Shahid Khan Every party is against more provinces in Sindh ". Is not a good reasoning. Every party is against IK also. So he should stop these dharnas. It's not A Party's decision. People have to decide. A party can have its position. Yes. But that should not be forced on to people . Like I support IK even tho all the party's are against him. I do it because I think he's right. But then eventually it will be decided by the people.

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i2t

Sep 19, 2014 11:44pm

Devolve power to local government and tax of the city/district spent on the city/district no free loader cities. If Baluchistan needs grain trade that with Punjab against natural resources. Punjab wants to export pay duties to Sindh. Baluchistan wants to have is share of port duty build alternative competitive port city and infrastructure. Pay NWFP for power produced there. Similarly this will create competition and development will come in systematically. Provincial and federal governments just manage law and order, foreign policy and military.

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Youth

Sep 20, 2014 12:08am

@Shafiq khan kakezai If you remember Karachi SITE industrial area & Korangi industrial area had small & big industries in thousands employing labour & babu ji in the ratio of 1:50. We have to un shackle our depressed mind frame only then real change will come. Over the years Pakistan has been seriously injured by one set of mind frame, this has to be taken care of immediately or the poor will become poorest & the rich will become richest.

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Youth

Sep 20, 2014 12:17am

MQM has categorically stated in very clear terms that their demand for more provinces in Sindh & elsewhere is based on non linguistic principle this is a welcome statement & should be appreciated. Can one imagine almost 65 million peoples being governed by a single CM in Sindh, sorry this won't work any more. Four provinces in Sindh is the correct answer, all other based on arrogance

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Key Points

Sep 20, 2014 12:24am

@Khan But do not forget, instead of sitting in opposition and forcing PPP to bring peace in the city, these guys were always trying to support PP for ministry or what not. Hope next election both of these get voted out & new batch of MP's come to power who can cleanup all the crimnals, including target killers and bhatta chargers within 90 days. These guys are either not capable of cleaning up the city from crimninals, or simply dont want to. Thats why a CHANGE is NECESSARY and a CHANGE IS COMMING.

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Pakistani

Sep 20, 2014 12:31am

@Somoro well said.

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saeed

Sep 20, 2014 12:41am

@Arif A. Khan I beg to differ with Mr. Khan. Punjab has already established dry ports and any goods destined for Punjab goes to punjab directly and duties are paid there although most resources used in transporting that good is by Karachi. As far as owners and employees of the companies are concerned, it does not mattar which community they belong to . . .If they are living in karachi and using the resources of karachi, their tax should be spent in Karachi. Isn't thats the purpose of tax to generate the resource for people who pay tax? Tax paid by Pakistanis living in US is spent in US, US does not send their tax money to Pakistan.

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m. a

Sep 20, 2014 02:13am

Sir, I have said before that the current artificial democratic parties have only one mission. They do want to continue to rob the government and destroy any party, that wants to expose them. They have all the confidence in Nawaz. They do not want to realize that Nawaz is a fake leader and is not reliable. The Pakistan can not survive under the leadership of Nawaz. He has to be eliminated for the survival of the Pakistan. The only help now is in Imran Khan. Because he is not money hungry. The people who want to destroy the Sharif brothers are real lovers of the Pakistan.

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Sep 20, 2014 02:20am

@Khan Are you serious? Who collects the" protection money" in Karachi and has made it a Mafia City.

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M.Saeed

Sep 20, 2014 02:33am

Karachi is a Mini-Pakistan with its population evenly divided according to the national demographic fiber. It therefore needs a very special status consistent with its cosmopolitan nature and not to be kept chained to the Rural Sindh.

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Syed

Sep 20, 2014 03:14am

MQM,PTI and PAT shouldshould come out of their self interest and narrow political approach make bigger alliance and fight against feudal and land lords otherwise no one will get anything

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Truth will Always Prevail

Sep 20, 2014 03:28am

PTI is stand for justice for all. PTI has always supported selection based on Merit, not because of the language or using weapon to get your point across.

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Jawad

Sep 20, 2014 03:35am

Just saw few clips of Bilawal speaking. I must say. He has confidence. A touch of Bhutto --- he might have watched and learned from Bhuttos speeches. I think he might give PPP a much needed spark. As for me. NOT any more.

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Ali Gohar

Sep 20, 2014 05:35am

I am not a MQM follower but I support MQM demand for decentralized administrative units. It does make sense.

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Jawad

Sep 20, 2014 06:05am

@M.Saeed It has a special status. The most violent city in Pakistan. Not being sarcastic. Just that it's true unfortunately.

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Aleezay

Sep 20, 2014 06:29am

@Truth will Always Prevail so Sheikh Rasheed ,Mehmood Qureshi, Jehangeer Taree, asad Umer are on merti. and what about the elected president of PTI who was removed just in the public gathering. Come on even dictator don't remove presdents the way Imran Khan did.

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Lucy Khan

Sep 20, 2014 07:44am

@Youth bete provinces banay jao. Kuch nahi hoga. jub tak fauj rule karegi, tum sub ghulami men raho ge. No way out i am sorry to say.

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Truth will Always Prevail

Sep 20, 2014 11:19am

@Aleezay You seem to have short memory motivated my Geo, All those you listed had left their seat from Assemble to joing PTI and none of them have any corruption case against them. if You are clean without any criminal and clean past you can join PTI and once you join PTI you are can not follow corrupt leaders from other parties You need to educate your self to understand what had happend

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Khan

Sep 20, 2014 11:50am

@Rizwan These poor man will change this country for the good. And kick you all out people like you from this family politics. Let me ask you how it's feels?

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faisal

Sep 20, 2014 02:42pm

@Arisha G If you were really from the same background you wont be asking all these questions. These questions are typically raised by people who have never accepted us "muhajirs" or always have looked at us with suspicion. We didn't wake up one day and started calling each other muhajirs. It is a term slapped on us by the sons-of-the-soils. I hardly find anyone who call himself muhajir. If you were from the same background you would not find people from your background in any police station, judges in the court, in the Sindh Govt. bureaucracy, you would find your people being discriminated against in govt. jobs, education institute etc with quota system. No, you don't have the same background hence your complete ignorance and diatribe against people who you know nothing about.

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Queen

Sep 20, 2014 03:06pm

MQM is worried about PTI's increasing political support in Karachi.

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Shahzad Kazi

Sep 20, 2014 06:33pm

Creating new administrative units will not help, but will only increase costs and promote VIP culture. What needs to be done is to improve the accountability of the current administrative structure.

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Shahzad Kazi

Sep 20, 2014 06:44pm

@mohammed the greater the number of administrative units the greater the number of ministers, the greater the number of bureaucrats and the higher the corruption. Maybe it is time to go in the opposite direction and limit the size of the cabinet and reduce the bureaucracy.

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Shahzad Kazi

Sep 20, 2014 06:47pm

@Altafee it is very unfortunate that a citizen of Pakistan cannot go to Lalukhet because he is not a Mohajir. Nothing to be proud of; just mafia mentality.

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rashid

Sep 20, 2014 09:45pm

MQM failed itself to emerge as a national party. Having almost the same agenda as that of TUQ and IK, could not go beyond the war of the words.Now that IK has succeeded to mobilize the nation, MQM is throwing spanners to pull down the very cause the had themselves stood for earlier of their history. Just look at the timings; The moment the word goes around of Imran's visit to Karachi, comes the provocative statement from the MQM. Altaf had no strength to lead the cause; should have therefore joined the IK movement, instead chose to line up with Zardari and NS. If you fail TUQ and IK now, MQM generations will stay in miseries for there would come no one like Imran and TUQ to save you..

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Jaj

Sep 21, 2014 04:31am

MQM is simply trying to disrupt PTI's show on Sunday because they know that they are loosing ground to PTI. Altaf Bhai has made MQM a laughing stock in the present crises. MQM is avoiding eye contact with PPP who holds the key to any change in Sind. The intentions of MQM in the present situation are not genuine.

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Babar

Sep 21, 2014 06:35am

@Truth will Always Prevail So Sheikh Rasheed, Jehangeer Tareen , shah mehmood Qureshi etc are clean people. come on everyone knows.

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Babar

Sep 21, 2014 06:50am

Karachi need to be administered by local Karachiites ,not people who come from interior Sindh or Punjab. Province is the only solution. So do it ASAP.

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Nessar

Sep 21, 2014 09:14am

@Just a thought ....so we will stick with the Sharif's, Bhutto's and Zardari's like we have done throughout our history. God bless Pakistan!

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Aslam Shaikh

Sep 21, 2014 09:50am

A desperate try to get more importance and share of the loot.

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Jaj

Sep 21, 2014 12:49pm

@Babar This is the situation in every province.

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khanm

Sep 21, 2014 12:57pm

@Israr Khan Ismailzai ....You can never underestimate the stupidity of the general public. we are just blind as well as deaf

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khanm

Sep 21, 2014 01:04pm

@Angry .... nothing making waves that is what we usually do

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ebad

Sep 21, 2014 01:29pm

@Israr Khan Ismailzai VERY VERY TRUE AGREE 100%

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Bholoo

Sep 21, 2014 08:28pm

@Jaj In Karachi Pathan and Muhajir are two big entities and Pathans are behind PTI. MQM has already brought revolution by bringing middle class educated youth into politics, IMran has to first prove in KPK then he will be able to convince us.

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Bholoo

Sep 21, 2014 08:30pm

@rashid PTI's movement is to disintegrate Pakistan and MQM will protect it. Burning bill ,attacking PTV, dances etc are serving Pakistani interest?

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