KARACHI: The Jamaat-i-Islami on Tuesday asked the federal government to play its role for fresh population census in Karachi, nullify the Sindh local government law and set up an autonomous city government in the metropolis.

The demand from the JI leadership came in a meeting of its leaders with Sindh Governor Imran Ismail at Governor House where the JI proposed several measures and sought role of the federal government of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, which had emerged as the largest single party in the 2018 general elections from the city, for resolution of problems of Karachi.

The JI delegation comprising its Karachi chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman and the president of the party’s public aid committee advocate Saifuddin also requested the Sindh governor to ensure that the November 11 Council of Common Interests (CCI) meeting should review census in Karachi.

The Sindh governor in his response has ensured the JI team of a positive stance in this regard and that the JI point of view to entrust powers to city government stands valid, said Hafiz Naeem while talking to reporters after the meeting with the governor.

“We have also presented him a memorandum on Karachi issues. We believe that Karachi needs tangible measures and not [just] lip service. The benefits of Karachi relief packages of Rs162 billion and Rs1,100 billion announced by the federal government are yet to be seen on the ground.”

On the other hand, he said that due to indifference of the Sindh government, the city infrastructure, sewerage system, hygiene and public transport system had collapsed.

He urged the government to take immediate corrective measures in this direction as masses have a democratic right to question the performance of any sitting government.

He said that the JI Karachi rights campaign that started from grassroots level had helped citizens a lot in comprehending real issues of the city.

“The MQM and its disintegrated factions should give answer to citizens, who ask what they have done for welfare of the city. We want to convey [to] every concerned quarter that if Nov 11 CCI meeting ignores Karachi issues, they will face masses’ resistance and the JI will soon announce the future line of action in this regard,” he added.

Published in Dawn, November 11th, 2020