The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has called on political parties to bring the 28th Amendment into effect immediately.
At a press conference, MQM Pakistan Chairman Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, accompanied by Mustafa Kamal, Amin Haq and Anees Qaimkhani, said the long-running conflict of the past 30–40 years has now reached Pakistan’s doorstep. He praised the government and the armed forces for their role in ending hostilities.
Siddiqui said MQM supports mediation and negotiations, noting that while national defence is the responsibility of the armed forces, war affects the entire nation. He added that governance in conflict-affected areas should be handed over to the people.
He emphasized that voting rights belong not just to candidates but also to the voters, and he criticized hereditary and dynastic politics. Siddiqui said the 28th Amendment was expected to give the public a meaningful share in governance.
MQM leaders also pointed out the party’s limited representation nationwide and stressed the need for proactive measures to manage conflicts entering the country.
On economic matters, Siddiqui said steps are being taken amid the crisis, including possible lockdowns, and insisted citizens should have a say in such decisions. He urged the Prime Minister to meet MQM’s long-standing demand for empowerment and reminded that Pakistan’s constitution exists to protect the rights of the people.