Latest news with #MQM-Pakistan
Express Tribune
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
City needs Rs100b development grant
The economic powerhouse of the country needs a Rs100 development grant in the new budget, Mayor Murtaza Wahab said Tuesday. He urged MQM-Pakistan and representatives from various parties to play their role in ensuring Karachi gets its fair share in parliament. City Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab has said that all elected representatives remained present on the ground during Eidul Azha. He applauded the sanitary staff and everyone involved in remarkable work in extreme heat over all three days. A total of 146,801 tons of offal and garbage was transported to the three landfill sites - Jam Chakro, Gond Pass, and Sharafi Goth GTS. He was speaking at a presser at the KMC head office where he was flanked by Deputy Mayor Salman Abdullah Murad, MD Sindh Solid Waste Management Board Tariq Nizamani, Deputy Parliamentary Leader of the City Council Dil Muhammad, and others. He shared that 96 collection points were set up across all 25 towns and 7 districts of the city. Citizens were provided with a 24-hour helpline (1128), through which 3,699 complaints were received, out of which 97.4% were addressed. He stressed that he personally toured the city to monitor the situation and take action regardless of any criticism, stating that there is no other example in the world of such a large amount of waste being removed in just three days. With the budget approaching, he reiterated that Karachi deserves its due share, and while everyone talks about empowering local governments, actual support for Karachi is needed. He urged MQM-Pakistan and representatives from various parties to play their role in ensuring Karachi gets its fair share in parliament. He demanded that the upcoming budget allocate Rs100billion as a development grant for Karachi, the commercial and financial hub of the country. The mayor said he has no objection if the federal and provincial governments appoint representatives to monitor the process. He invited Jamaat-e-Islami's Karachi chapter Ameer Munim Zafar and Federal Minister Mustafa Kamal to sit together and work for the city instead of indulging in criticism. "Work is happening in Karachi, but we are too busy pulling each other down. Please stop portraying the city in a negative light; this will not serve Karachi," he urged. Mayor Wahab said that politics of discord must end if meaningful progress is to be achieved. "This time, there was no stench - only prejudice," he said. "Previously, there was China-cutting, now there is road cutting." He said that Karachi's water sources lay over 125 kilometres away, and all he seeks is the rightful share for Karachiites. "We have passed the ball into the federal government's court," he said, urging Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to take action. "If he does, we will hold a joint press conference." He expressed hope that Mustafa Kamal would present Karachi's case in the cabinet meeting and have it approved, and that the PPP would also support the issue in the National Assembly. He mentioned that action was taken against the "tallow mafia" in coordination with the Karachi Police Chief, leading to 144 FIRs and the arrest of 348 individuals. "Karachi is a vast city. When something bad happens, the mayor is blamed; when something good happens, others take credit." Many people jump into the unregulated business of making tallow from the fat of sacrificial animals. If prepared under hygienic conditions, beef tallow can be used in cooking. However, scrupulous elements make edible oil from animal fat in extremely unhygienic conditions posing health risks for the consumers. Mayor Wahab stated that tenders have been floated for drain cleaning in all seven districts, and that funding for the work comes from the provincial government. Small-scale winching operations are needed, and the Cantonment Board used GTS facilities for their work.
Express Tribune
19-03-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Afaq announces movement for Karachi's issues
Mohajir Qaumi Movement (MQM) Chairman Afaq Ahmed on Tuesday announced a new movement to address the city's problems. He urged citizens to display white flags on their homes and vehicles as a symbol of the movement. On April 12, he plans to hold a major public gathering in Karachi, where he will make an important announcement. Speaking at a press conference at his residence, Afaq Ahmed stated that their foundation day is a time to reaffirm their commitment. "We take pride in our identity. I am proud to be a Mohajir, and I dedicate this day to those who sacrificed their lives for the Mohajir cause," he said. Following the political activities of MQM-Pakistan, PPP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and PTI, the Mohajir Qaumi Movement is now set to establish its presence in Karachi's political landscape, with Central District as its new hub. In an interview with Express, Afaq Ahmed revealed that a large segment of the Mohajir community resides in Central District, yet no political party besides MQM is addressing their concerns. He confirmed plans to open a party office in the district and temporarily relocate there, ensuring closer engagement with the community.
Express Tribune
17-03-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Sharjeel claims Indian involvement in terrorist attack
Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon stated that the Balochistan terrorist attack is a conspiracy against the integrity of the country and that evidence suggests the involvement of India and other foreign actors. He added that such an incident is an attempt to destabilize Pakistan, but that it will be foiled at all costs. While hosting an Iftar at Rawal House Rahuki, Sharjeel addressed the media stating there should be dialogue only with people who support the sovereignty of Pakistan, enemies of the nation should be eliminated. He added that the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) has passed an important resolution reaffirming the protection of the province's rights. He dismissed the recent statement by Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui of MQM-Pakistan (MQM-P) as ridiculous, saying that baseless statements have been made since MQM-London and MQM-Pakistan split. Instead, he claimed that Pakistan needs the leadership of Maulana Fazlur Rehman, whom Sharjeel described as a respectable politician. Further, he asserted that Sindh's water would not be divided under any circumstances and that nationalist politicians are exploiting the issue of canals for political gain when the people have already rejected them in elections. He emphasized that the Sindh government would not enable any project that breaches the water rights of the province, and no canal would be permitted to be built. Moreover, stating that withdrawing support for the government is a minor issue, he reiterated that there will be no compromise on Sindh's rights. Senior minister Memon also urged unemployed youth to access job opportunities by registering on the "I Work for Sindh" portal.
Express Tribune
16-02-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Sharjeel Memon accuses MQM of inciting riots in Karachi
Listen to article Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memon has accused the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) of attempting to incite riots in Karachi by exploiting recent incidents, Express News reported. Reacting to a press conference by MQM-Pakistan leader Dr Farooq Sattar, Memon said on Sunday, 'Farooq Sattar and other MQM leaders must understand that making baseless accusations will not elevate their stature. For decades, the people of Karachi suffered under MQM's coercive and violent politics.' He alleged that MQM, unable to assert dominance through intimidation, was now trying to provoke unrest. 'MQM has always used tragedies for political gain. Farooq Sattar's statements are based on lies, hypocrisy, and baseless allegations,' he said. The minister criticised Sattar for accusing the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and the Sindh government, urging him to reflect on MQM's past. 'Those blaming the Sindh government were themselves responsible for destroying the city's peace and progress. Ethnic riots, extortion, and targeted killings were MQM's trademarks,' he added. Memon defended the recent arrest of MQM-Haqiqi leader Afaq Ahmed, saying it was lawful. 'No one is above the law. MQM should stop shedding crocodile tears. While the Sindh government is working to solve public issues, MQM is busy spreading chaos,' he stated. He also accused MQM of fuelling ethnic tensions. 'For years, MQM has been the one sowing discord between Pashtuns and Urdu-speaking communities. The public knows who the real instigators are,' Memon asserted.
Express Tribune
09-02-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
'Factionalism' rocks MQM-P
KARACHI: Two groups of MQM-Pakistan allegedly confronted each other at the party's Bahadurabad office, with one group expressing strong reservations over the appointment of committee heads. The group also protested against Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori's assignment as the in-charge of the provincial parliamentary committee. A video circulating on social media shows the two groups clashing. Despite the party leadership's denial of internal differences, the workers and office-bearers at the Bahadurabad office appeared divided.
