MQM-P slams 16 years of PPP rule in Sindh, pledges to issue white paper

Express Tribune

27-02-2025

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Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) Pakistan has pledged to release a white paper against the Sindh government, while calling the 16-year-long rule of the Pakistan People's Party in the province the worst and most corrupt.
In a press conference, senior MQM-P leaders including Farooq Sattar and Nasreen Jalil accused the provincial government of gross mismanagement and corruption, claiming that they had brought yet another lament for Karachi.
The white paper will include details the state of governance under the PPP, pointing out that 25 billion rupees in dues remain unpaid to government employees residing in Karachi and working in local government bodies.
Farooq Sattar remarked that these employees had their monthly gratuity contributions deducted over 30 to 40 years of service, but those dues have not been paid to retirees since 2017. He questioned, "What could be a bigger economic crime than this?"
He further explained that all these Karachi-based institutions, led by the Mayor of Karachi or the Provincial Minister for Local Government, have been under the control of Sindh's feudal lords since 2017, when MQM-P was removed from overseeing them.
Farooq Sattar stated that Rs 25 billion of dues for Karachi's retired employees remain unpaid since 2017, with similar issues affecting Hyderabad. He emphasized that after the 18th amendment, the Sindh government is responsible for paying these dues.
The MQM leaders revealed that Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) owes Rs 15 billion to 10,000 employees, while Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) owes Rs 6 billion to 5,000 employees. Similarly, the Karachi Development Authority (KDA) owes Rs 5 billion to over 1,000 retired employees. Other bodies, such as WASA, HMC, and HDA in Hyderabad, owe another Rs 4-5 billion.
A further part of the white paper on Sindh government's mismanagement will be released after Ramzan. Farooq Sattar accused the Sindh government of depriving Karachi's 25 towns of their rights, with retired employees being treated unfairly.
He also accused the provincial government of hiring individuals with fake domicile certificates for new recruitments, especially in Karachi and Hyderabad, and in medical colleges. The MQM leaders stated that the Sindh government is perpetrating both an economic and educational massacre against the people of Karachi.
Farooq Sattar raised questions about where the Rs 25 billion had gone, stressing that these funds were Karachi's taxpayers' money, not anyone's personal wealth. He demanded an inquiry into the missing funds.
He also pointed out that the salaries and benefits of provincial ministers, including the Chief Minister, are paid from Karachi's taxes. Farooq Sattar demanded that the government investigate where the tax money is being allocated.
In his press conference, Farooq Sattar urged the political figures in Islamabad and Rawalpindi to pay attention to Karachi's plight, stressing that this situation was harmful to Pakistan's stability and strength.
He reassured the retired employees that they were not alone, adding that MQM Pakistan had returned with renewed strength and unity. He warned that post-Ramzan, the rising costs of essential goods would be highlighted. "This is a warning to those who underestimated our strength during our organizational restructuring," he said.
On the question of collaboration with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Haqiqi (MQM-H) leader, Afaq Ahmed, Farooq Sattar expressed hope that old agreements would be revived, though he acknowledged that Afaq Ahmed had rejected his appeal for unity in the past.
Earlier, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) announced plans to release a white paper evaluating the performance of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government in Punjab during its first year in office.
Addressing a press conference at the Lahore Press Club on Wednesday, Leader of the Opposition in Punjab, Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar, sharply criticised the provincial government, alleging that public funds were being misused for self-promotion.
Without directly naming Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, he accused the administration of diverting state resources toward promoting her and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.