We condemn Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s anti-military narrative. Pakistan’s security and sovereignty take precedence over everything else, says Syed Mustafa Kamal.

Federal Health Minister and senior central leader of Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), Syed Mustafa Kamal, said during an interview on a private television channel that his party disagrees with and condemns Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s anti-military narrative. He said Pakistan’s security and sovereignty take precedence over everything else, while the establishment of administrative units is essential to empower the people and ensure the country’s survival.

Mustafa Kamal said he initially viewed Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s statements as an expression of temporary displeasure. However, after such positions continued to be expressed, he felt it necessary to clarify his own and his party’s stance. He stressed that political differences are one thing, but weakening institutions responsible for national security could have serious consequences.

Karachi and devolution

Speaking about Karachi’s problems and the lack of devolution of powers, he said that despite MQM-Pakistan holding 22 seats in Karachi, its elected representatives do not even have the authority to arrange a single water connection in Karachi and Hyderabad. He questioned how elected representatives could answer to the public when they lacked the powers to provide even basic facilities in their constituencies.

Mustafa Kamal said the police, bureaucracy and relevant institutions operate under the provincial government’s authority, yet citizens remain deprived of basic facilities such as water, education, healthcare and employment. He maintained that resources and powers must be transferred to the grassroots level to resolve public problems.

Referring to Karachi’s census, he alleged that the city’s population had been undercounted, adversely affecting its representation and allocation of resources. He said Karachi’s residents deserve an accurate population count, their fair share of resources and effective political representation.

The federal health minister said MQM-Pakistan is a democratic political party that seeks to address public grievances within Pakistan’s constitutional and state framework. He added that addressing citizens’ complaints and involving them in decision-making are the responsibilities of the state and government.