MQM Pakistan backs 27th amendment, urges stronger local governments and legal clarity

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Pakistan has said there is no reason for surprise or concern over the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment, emphasizing instead the need to strengthen and clarify local government laws.

Speaking to the media alongside senior leaders, MQM Pakistan convener Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and Dr Farooq Sattar said that the 27th Amendment is focused on promoting good governance and better coordination among institutions.

Siddiqui stated that the fruits of democracy must reach the people, adding that MQM had already contacted the prime minister over the amendment issue. He stressed that local governments should be recognized as legitimate constitutional entities, protected under the Constitution, and overseen by the Supreme Court. Empowering local bodies, he said, was the key to solving public problems.

Dr Farooq Sattar added that the 27should explicitly mandate fresh local government elections immediately after the completion of existing tenures. He noted that constitutional amendments must evolve with time and urged that no one should feel alarmed about the 27th Amendment.

He further highlighted the need for more robust laws governing local governments, arguing that autonomy should extend not only to provinces but also to local administrations.

The federal government has announced plans to introduce the 27th Constitutional Amendment and has begun consultations with coalition partners and key stakeholders.