Islamabad: Leaders of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Pakistan have said that there is no reason to panic over the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment, stressing that the party supports reforms aimed at improving governance and ensuring implementation of local government systems across the country.
Speaking to the media in Islamabad, MQM-P Convener Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said that discussions around the 27th Amendment have been ongoing for several days. “Even during the 26th Amendment, our stance was clear — democracy must deliver its benefits directly to the people,” he stated.
He revealed that MQM had itself approached the Prime Minister over the issue, emphasizing that the amendment relates to good governance and better provincial coordination.
Dr. Siddiqui noted that the party believes an independent constitutional court is now necessary. “Although constitutional cases make up only 10 percent of the total caseload, they consume 50 percent of the courts’ time,” he explained.
Commenting on devolution under the 18th Amendment, he said that handing education entirely to the provinces had backfired in some areas. “We are now rethinking how to improve education and population welfare systems. Our view is that the Population Welfare Department should function under the federation,” he added.
The MQM chief further said that Article 243 should be aligned with modern requirements of national harmony and defense, reflecting today’s realities.
Reiterating MQM’s long-standing position, Dr. Siddiqui said the party wants local governments empowered constitutionally, with the Supreme Court ensuring oversight so that elected mayors and chairmen can complete their terms.
Meanwhile, Dr. Farooq Sattar said that while the Constitution is a sacred document, it is not “divine scripture” and should evolve with time. “If the 27th Amendment is needed after the 26th, it’s not something to worry about,” he remarked.
He stressed that local governance must be strengthened, saying that “after provincial autonomy under the 18th Amendment, autonomy for local governments should naturally follow.”
Dr. Sattar added that the Constitution should clearly mandate local government elections immediately after the expiry of a council’s term, to ensure continuity and accountability at the grassroots level.
