Islamabad: Founder of Pakistan Front Movement (PFM), Lal Dino Mari Baloch, has expressed a clear and unequivocal stance on the proposal under discussion to place Karachi under direct federal control, stating that Pakistan Front Movement does not support this idea and considers it constitutionally, politically, and socially inappropriate.
He said that Karachi is not merely a city, but the capital of Sindh, the country’s economic hub, and an integral part of Sindh’s historical and cultural identity. Removing Karachi from Sindh’s administrative jurisdiction could further intensify feelings of deprivation, insecurity, and alienation among the people of Sindh, which would be detrimental to national unity.
Baloch emphasized that after the 18th Constitutional Amendment, provinces enjoy clearly defined and strengthened powers. Any move to place Karachi under federal control without a constitutional amendment would be against the spirit of the Constitution, weakening the federal structure and undermining democratic values and inter-provincial trust.
He warned that Karachi has a history of political and ethnic tensions, and such decisions could exacerbate linguistic divisions, fuel political instability, and generate new security concerns, with repercussions extending beyond Sindh to the entire country.
Rejecting the assumption that direct federal control would automatically resolve Karachi’s problems, he pointed out that Islamabad, despite being under federal administration, continues to face serious governance and urban challenges, highlighting the practical flaws of this model.
He stated that the real issue is not who governs Karachi, but administrative inefficiency, lack of devolution to lower tiers, and weak local governments. PFM believes in empowered local bodies, transparent and equitable resource distribution, and meaningful public participation in urban planning as the sustainable solution.
He reaffirmed that Pakistan Front Movement stands for national unity, provincial autonomy, and public rights, and opposes any decision that may lead to further division, deprivation, or instability.
