THE MQM-P decision to rejoin the federal cabinet certainly is an important development on the political scene and a right decision especially at a time when unity in all our ranks is required to overcome the challenge posed by Corona Virus. Talking to the media persons, MQM leader Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said there had been significant progress in the past several days on the unresolved issues between the two parties. Firstly, the leadership of MQM-P really deserves appreciation for showing flexibility at this point in time when the entire nation wants to see the political forces on the same page to combat the pandemic of Corona Virus. Then, definitely the PTI also demonstrated sagacity and maturity by staying engaged with its ally to allay their concerns and finally succeeding to bring them on board again. The people of Karachi have given mandate to both the parties and they must stay united to live up to their expectations. It is a matter of satisfaction that one billion rupees have been issued to Karachi Mayor and a similar amount is in the pipeline for Hyderabad Mayor. The local bodies need to be strengthened with more powers either in big cities or smaller ones to address the very basic problems of the people. We expect that the amount given to the Karachi Mayor will be used transparently and judiciously to bring improvement in the living standards of Karachites. The fact of the matter is that the problems of the country’s economic hub are so enormous and multifaceted that all the stakeholders including federal and provincial governments as well as the Mayor need to work in close coordination whilst rising above their petty political differences to transform the city’s landscape into a modern one that meets the requirements of its residents. On the matter of public welfare, there should not be any politics or political point scoring. Priority should be given to the provision of latest transport facilities as well as improving the sanitation and sewerage system of the city.
