KARACHI: Mohajir Qaumi Movement, better known as MQM-Haqiqi, Chairman Afaq Ahmed has called for formation of an independent fact-finding commission to examine the underlying causes of terrorism and unrest in the country, urging the establishment to promote dialogue as a means of achieving lasting peace.
He was addressing a big public meeting in Landhi on Saturday night. A large number of people, including women and children, attended the event at Al Hamza Ground.
Mr Ahmed said Pakistan was passing through a difficult period despite having a strong and capable military. He paid tribute to members of the armed forces and police who had lost their lives in the fight against militancy and appealed for a broader national approach to addressing the country’s security and political challenges.
“As a patriotic Pakistani, I respectfully request the Field Marshal to open the doors for dialogue,” Mr Ahmed said. “Bullets and shells increase bitterness, while dialogue promotes unity and brings people closer.”
Says constitutional debate on new provinces should remain open
He proposed the establishment of a fact-finding commission comprising judges, retired military officers, members of civil society and parliamentarians. According to Mr Ahmed, such a body should identify the factors contributing to terrorism and unrest and recommend practical measures for resolving them.
He also stressed that political disagreements should not result in branding individuals as disloyal, saying national cohesion required tolerance and constructive engagement.
He said that decisions based on the findings of the impartial commission would strengthen the country rather than benefit any particular institution or political party.
Reflecting on Pakistan’s political landscape, Mr Ahmed questioned why different regions continued to experience discontent, adding that concerns in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa deserved serious attention. He said understanding the reasons behind these grievances through an process would help pave the way for national stability.
The MQM-H chief also spoke about the historical contribution of the Muhajir community to Pakistan, saying their forefathers had migrated to the newly created country in response to the call of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah and had played an important role in its development.
“Our elders made immense sacrifices for Pakistan, and they contributed significantly to building its institutions, industries and educational establishments,” he said. “We consider ourselves an inseparable part of this country.”
He referred to prominent industrialists, educational institutions, scientists, military figures and literary personalities associated with the Muhajir community, saying that they had made lasting contributions to Pakistan’s progress.
On the issue of administrative reforms, he said the Constitution provided a mechanism for the creation of new provinces. He expressed concern over restrictions on introducing resolutions related to new provinces in the Sindh Assembly and said constitutional debate on such matters should remain open.
Commenting on the Pakistan Peoples Party, Mr Ahmed urged the party to take a clear position against separatist slogans occasionally raised by fringe nationalist groups in Sindh. He said all political stakeholders should reaffirm their commitment to Pakistan’s unity and territorial integrity.
Addressing supporters of separatist movements, he stressed that Pakistan’s unity must be safeguarded through collective resolve. “Those who helped build Pakistan are equally committed to protecting its future,” he said.
Published in Dawn, July 27th, 2026