Islamabad: Syed Shariq Jamal, leader of Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) and Member of the Sindh Provincial Assembly, has called for a national debate on the creation of smaller provinces and administrative units, saying that decentralisation, empowered local governments and institutional reforms are essential for sustainable development and improved public service delivery.
In an exclusive interview with reporter, he said Pakistan had a large population and diverse administrative requirements, making smaller provinces and administrative units an important subject for national discussion.
Jamal said such arrangement could bring governance closer to the people and improve access to education, healthcare, clean drinking water, employment and other essential services.
He emphasised that national progress also depended on political stability, economic development, transparency, merit and effective governance.
He stressed that the creation of new provinces should be considered on administrative, constitutional and public-interest grounds rather than through linguistic or partisan considerations. Consultation with all stakeholders and national consensus, he added, were essential for any such initiative.
He said Karachi, Hyderabad and several parts of rural Sindh continued to face challenges relating to education, healthcare, clean drinking water, employment and basic civic facilities.
The solution, he said, lay in empowering local governments, introducing administrative reforms, ensuring merit-based recruitment and implementing laws effectively. Elected local representatives should have adequate administrative powers and financial resources to address issues such as water supply, sanitation, roads, drainage and public transport.
Describing water scarcity as one of Karachi’s most pressing civic problems, Jamal said residents of several localities depended on water tankers, while some households were compelled to purchase drinking water.
He urged the government to improve the water distribution network, prevent water theft and take effective action against illegal activities. Access to clean drinking water, he said, was a fundamental public responsibility, and citizens should receive this essential service regularly and at affordable rates.
Speaking about law and order, Jamal said police recruitment and postings should be based on merit, while transparency and accountability within law enforcement institutions must be strengthened.
Jamal said Parliament should focus on meaningful legislation, accountability and the resolution of public problems. Political differences were a natural part of democracy, but they should not obstruct progress on issues affecting ordinary citizens.
Clean drinking water, quality education, healthcare, employment and public safety, he said, must remain key priorities for all political parties. The public expected practical solutions and improved services rather than political confrontation alone.
On national security and international relations, Jamal said Pakistan had strong defence capabilities and that international interest in defence cooperation presented opportunities for broader engagement. However, national security must be complemented by effective diplomacy, regional peace and economic cooperation.
Concluding his remarks, Jamal said Pakistan’s prosperity depended on improving the living standards of its people. A stronger economy, political stability, efficient administrative structures and robust democratic institutions were essential for sustainable development.