Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Chairman of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM) and Federal Minister for Education, Science, and Technology, has expressed frustration with the government, hinting at stepping down. Speaking during the inauguration of the Karachi campus of the National Textile University in the Korangi Industrial Area, Siddiqui emphasized MQM’s disinterest in holding ministries, stating, “We are the only party that quits ministries even while being in the government.”
Local Government and Karachi’s Development
Siddiqui stressed that Karachi’s development is crucial for the progress of Pakistan. He criticized the current state of local government powers in Karachi, calling them fraudulent. Addressing the local government elections, he accused the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) of conspiring, which led to MQM’s boycott of the elections.
“The local government elections in Karachi were not elections but a conspiracy,” Siddiqui said, highlighting the challenges Karachi faces in governance and development.
Educational Initiatives in Karachi
A significant portion of Siddiqui’s speech focused on improving Karachi’s educational infrastructure. He announced plans to establish campuses for universities that currently do not have a presence in Karachi, aiming to bolster the city’s role as an educational hub.
“Just as the businessmen of Karachi run the entire Pakistan, the educational institutions of Karachi also need their participation,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of education in shaping Karachi’s and Pakistan’s future.
On Faisal Vawda and Government Alliances
Responding to media questions, Siddiqui distanced MQM from Faisal Vawda, stating, “Faisal Vawda is not a representative of MQM; he has his own thinking, and we have our own.” Reflecting on MQM’s past experiences in government alliances, he noted that they had not been favorable, reinforcing the party’s preference for focusing on Karachi’s development over political maneuvering.
A Call for Urgent Reforms
Siddiqui’s remarks underline MQM’s commitment to Karachi’s progress and their dissatisfaction with the current state of governance. By prioritizing educational reforms and infrastructure development, MQM aims to secure Karachi’s role as a driver of national progress.
