ISLAMABAD: The Karachi province controversy reverberated across the Senate on Monday as lawmakers from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) forcefully rejected recent remarks suggesting the creation of a separate administrative unit for Karachi. The party declared that Karachi remains an inseparable part of Sindh and warned against what it termed a “dangerous fantasy” aimed at redrawing provincial boundaries.

The heated exchange comes just days after the Sindh Assembly passed a resolution affirming Karachi’s constitutional status within Sindh and opposing any move to detach it. The resolution, however, was opposed by the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), which termed it unconstitutional.

PPP’s Strong Position in the Senate

PPP parliamentary leader in the Senate, Sherry Rehman, strongly criticized statements made by certain federal ministers — widely understood to refer to MQM-P leaders Mustafa Kamal and Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui — regarding administrative restructuring.

Speaking on the Senate floor, Rehman described the statements as reckless and unconstitutional, warning that such rhetoric undermines Pakistan’s federal unity.

“Let me be clear: the PPP is the custodian of Sindh’s unity and no one will be allowed to undermine it,” she asserted.

Rehman emphasized that Sindh has historically embraced diversity and shared its resources nationally since 1947. She warned that dividing Karachi from Sindh would not merely be a provincial issue but a national one.

“This is not just an attack on a province; it is an attack on Pakistan itself,” she remarked.

Constitutional Framework and Political Reality

Rehman reminded lawmakers that altering provincial boundaries is a constitutional matter requiring a two-thirds parliamentary majority.

“Those floating these ideas should first read the Constitution. Constitutional divisions require democratic majorities, not press conferences,” she stated.

She further addressed coalition dynamics, noting that MQM-P has historically been part of federal governments across administrations.

“May God grant them even more respect, but let no one confuse local political debates with a licence to redraw provincial maps,” she added.

The PPP leader invoked the legacy of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto, emphasizing the party’s long-standing resistance to ethnic and linguistic divisions.

“Anyone dreaming of dividing Sindh should abandon this dangerous fantasy. We know how to resist, and we will not tolerate any assault on Pakistan’s federal unity.”

Senate Debate Intensifies

PPP Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi also criticized MQM-P and Jamaat-i-Islami leadership, questioning their performance during their tenures as Karachi’s mayors.

He argued that PPP-led municipal governance had delivered more tangible improvements compared to previous administrations. Mehdi also expressed disappointment over what he described as a lack of substantive discussion at a recent education conference attended by federal representatives.

MQM-P’s Response

In response, MQM-P Senator Khalida Ateeb rejected the Sindh Assembly resolution, arguing that it was inconsistent with constitutional provisions. She stated that MQM-P had never formally advocated dividing Sindh but maintained that discussions around administrative units were ongoing across multiple provinces.

She also questioned the origins of the rural-urban divide narrative and the quota system, suggesting the debate should be viewed in a broader national administrative context.

Government Calls for Dialogue

Meanwhile, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs Rana Sanaullah Khan urged political stakeholders to prioritize dialogue over confrontation.

He stressed that democratic institutions are strengthened through engagement and constructive political participation.

“The government wants the opposition to play an effective role in the democratic process,” he said, while expressing regret over continued political deadlocks.

On separate matters, he confirmed that former Prime Minister Imran Khan was receiving medical facilities in accordance with legal and Supreme Court directives.

Political Significance of the Karachi Province Controversy

The Karachi province controversy highlights deeper tensions within Pakistan’s federal structure. Karachi, as the country’s economic hub, has long been central to debates over governance, representation, and administrative efficiency.

However, constitutional safeguards make any alteration of provincial boundaries a complex and politically sensitive process. With coalition politics at play and Sindh’s electoral dynamics heavily favoring the PPP, any such move faces formidable legal and political obstacles.

For now, the Senate debate signals that the issue is far from settled — but any structural change would require broad political consensus, something currently absent in Pakistan’s polarized environment.

FAQs

1. What is the Karachi province controversy?

The Karachi province controversy refers to recent political statements suggesting the creation of a separate administrative unit for Karachi, separate from Sindh province.

2. What is PPP’s stance on dividing Sindh?

PPP strongly opposes any division of Sindh and considers Karachi an inseparable part of the province.

3. Can a province be divided under Pakistan’s Constitution?

Yes, but it requires a constitutional amendment supported by a two-thirds majority in Parliament.

4. What is MQM-P’s position?

MQM-P says it does not advocate dividing Sindh but supports discussions on administrative units across provinces.

5. Why is Karachi politically significant?

Karachi is Pakistan’s largest city and economic hub, making governance and administrative control politically sensitive.