Karachi Political Diary

                    Karachi Political Diary

                           Mubasher Mir

                         

Although the general election has been announced for February 8, the election schedule is still awaited. All political parties are trying to mobilize their workers. But so far the parties in the field have not been able to create any political narrative of their own. Manifestos of political parties will also come out, but before the election, they are trying to influence the people by using rhetoric against each other in the same old and outdated way. In this regard, MQM and PPP have the most rhetoric. Both are trying to restore their old position, MQM wants to stir politics in the name of Muhajir and PPP is trying to try its Sindh card again.

The approach taken to revive Sindhi, migrant politics calls to mind the term "friendly fire". The leaders of both are exchanging verbal fire while in many cases there is no major difference between the two. Perhaps this is the reason why the level of public acceptance of such statements is not what it was in the past as if the people have rejected this style of politics. The obvious reason for both being allies and using resources together is in the minds of the people. MQM was always considered to be a party of Urdu speakers, but due to MQM's style of politics, the people have taken away this mandate from them. Similarly, People's Party was always considered as the party of Sindh, Sindhi speaking people considered it as their own party, but now Sindhi people have other options, JUI-F has continuously won provincial assembly seat from Larkana. 

 

Muslim League-N has also accelerated these efforts under the leadership of Bashir Memon.  Pirpagada's party Muslim League Functional is also effective in some seats but cannot make a big difference. , political parties' own efforts in their place but taking into account the objective situation, it is clear that in the eyes of the establishment, political families always strengthen the hands of the party coming to power and try to take their share, Jamaat-e-Islami now According to the reports, Tehreek-e-Insaaf plans to go along with it, so the big battle at this time will be to bring change in Karachi City Council.

 

During the caretaker government, Jamaat-e-Islami has voiced that the Sindh government is not providing the budget for development works in the districts of Karachi where it is the head, while the members of Tehreek-e-Insaf who are delaying the election of Mayor Karachi. They were unable to play their political role, if their return is possible, the situation in the city council can change. Mayor Karachi had held the first meeting in July but so far failed to organize the second meeting. In this way, the City Council system does not seem to be working, if Jamaat-e-Islami and Tehreek-e-Insaf succeed in bringing change together, it will prove to be the forerunner of a great change in the politics of Sindh.

Pakistan People's Party is also preempting it, it is inviting some political families to join the party to strengthen itself. Although the members of the Meher family have joined the party, the politics of Karachi is also very important for the People's Party. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has held a big rally in Mithi. Thar is a very underdeveloped area, where a coal-fired power plant with the support of China is producing successfully. People have also got employment, hence PPP can increase its vote bank due to its role in successful project in Thar. But other areas of Sindh seem to be deprived of development. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has criticized PML-N leader Mian Nawaz Sharif for giving state facilities.

Former President Asif Ali Zardari is also trying his manipulative skills, his goal seems to be to succeed in forming a government in Sindh province again. It is to be seen how far the powerful forces allow their schemes to be successful in this regard. Share trading in the stock exchange is booming, there is load shedding of electricity and gas in the country, industrial production is affected, unemployment has also increased. Yes, but there is a boom in the market shares, of course many companies are also investing in the market shares keeping in mind the desire of the government. This is a significant figure but it is not possible to increase the industrial production by speculation. The government should focus on improving exports, this will lead to real growth.

Karachi Political Diary

 Karachi Political Diary

Mubasher Mir

The Muslim League-N has intensified its contacts to make the electoral alliance effective in Sindh regarding the preparation of the general elections. A high-level delegation of MQM had signed an alliance agreement with the leadership of Muslim League-N in Lahore. Apart from this, an alliance has also been made with JUIF, now Khawaja Saad Rafiq, on the instructions of the PML-N leadership, has met Pir Sahib Pagada, the head of the Muslim League Functional. , JUI-F and Muslim League-F, or GDA, are seen forging an electoral alliance. This is the electoral alliance that is coming into being with the blessings of the powerful forces. People's Party and Tehreek-e-Insaf are still standing on the two banks of the river and assessing the speed and depth of the water. The chances of meeting the two sides are also very limited. The People's Party will also not take the risk of alliance with any party against the will of the powerful forces.

 

PPP leader Shazia Marri's press conference was confusing, as her statement that we did not launch a movement to topple the Tehreek-e-Insaaf government, even though the party leadership had marched on inflation and then repeatedly said that There should be early elections. He played an active role to bring distrust and played a role in it and finally Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that the conspiracy to overthrow the Tehreek-e-Insaf government was not in America but in Bilawal House. How can the leaders of the People's Party be ignorant of the events of the recent past? Sindh and especially for the electoral alliance, the PML-N will definitely look at Jamaat-e-Islami, which was a strong competitor in the election of the mayor in the Karachi city election. Mian Nawaz Sharif will definitely be forced to talk to the leadership of Jamaat-e-Islami. It is to be seen what decision Jamaat-e-Islami takes in this regard. Because she has also been close to Tehreek-e-Insaaf.

 

Jamaat-e-Islami has protested the most on the issue of Palestine and raised its voice against atrocities in Palestine. People have also fully participated in the Palestine solidarity rally. In this regard, the leadership of MQM, Muslim League-N and People's Party is seen only to the extent of statements. Differences in the caretaker government of Sindh have intensified. The purchase of robots for robotic surgery has become a cause of conflict between the Sindh Chief Minister and the Health Minister.

 

The Caretaker Chief Minister of Sindh called a meeting of the Ministry of Health and expressed his anger on the performance of the Health Department, while the Caretaker Health Minister was not present in the meeting.  Caretaker Health Minister Dr. Saad Khalid Niaz has also given his position. He believes that robotic surgery is an expensive treatment. While people are suffering from basic health problems. According to him, billions of rupees are being wasted. Robots had been ordered before but could not be used in this way. The surprising thing is that if the Health Minister is raising questions regarding the purchase of robots, then why is the Chief Minister of Sindh adamant that a huge amount of money should be spent for the purchase of robots.

Complaints regarding education and health in Sindh province have been coming to the fore even during the previous government's tenure. Especially in many districts and towns of Sindh, the situation looks very bad. Although the Sindh government has been giving grants of about 89 billion to health institutions, the health problems remain the same. The Caretaker Chief Minister of Sindh had also ordered an audit of the grants given to about 34 large NGOs, but no report has come out in this regard yet.

 

The MQM leadership has complained that the constitution of Pakistan provides protection to the powerful but not to the common people. It is correct in principle, but it is better for a political party to do its part than to be suspicious, MQM has been a powerful party in Karachi, it has the skills to be a part of power, but that party too.  The political party should give a program for how the basic rights of the people will be protected. And what role will his party play in it?

 

A delegation of Muslim League-N has met MQM. Although both sides have reiterated that a formula for equitable distribution of resources should be set, it remains to be seen how the political parties stick to this approach post-election. The delegation of Muslim League-N is also continuing the series of meetings with other political parties. In this regard, the possibility of PML-N becoming a grand alliance in Sindh seems bright.

Umme Rabab Chandio, who has been following the  murder case for the last six years, when two members of her family, including her father, were killed, has alleged that the accused have been threatening her. . Accordingly, senior police officers should take notice, as there are serious threats to their lives. Umm Rabab Chandio's father, uncle and grandfather were killed. She has been going round the courts for six years continuously for justice, but till now the justice is delayed. The Chief Justice of Pakistan should focus on such cases where the evidence is clear. Justice delayed is justice denied.

Karachi Political Diary

Karachi Political Diary
Mubasher Mir

Sindh Governor Kamran Tesori strongly criticized the current system of politics and Birmala said that elections are coming and those who take turns are coming together again. This does not create signs of improvement in the country, this type of government has pushed Pakistan backward. Sindh Governor made the aggressive speech in his speech while attending the release ceremony of a book written on Pakistan-China relations as a special guest at a local hotel.

The Consul General of the People's Republic of China was also present at the event and other important personalities also spoke about Pakistan-China relations, but the Governor of Sindh adopted a different approach. He said that we have not learned anything from China, their working methods. should have adopted But our country, despite having many resources, could not develop as much as it should, the friendly country is also seeking assistance from Saudi Arabia. We have to stand on our own feet. We can train the youth in information technology and make them employable. IT training for youth has been organized in Governor House Sindh in collaboration with civil society which will be completed very soon.

 

Governor Sindh spoke from the heart and only reforms in the current political system can bring better political leadership in Pakistan. If seen, their words are 100% correct. There is no such thing as democracy in the political parties of Pakistan. In Pakistani politics, the element of heredity is dominant, there is a monopoly of families, in such a situation, where is the ideal, it is difficult to have a normal style of politics. Political families come to power by having direct relations with the powerful forces, that is why the people are not given importance after gaining power, this is the tragedy of the country's politics.

 

In 21 districts of Sindh, the stage of by-elections of municipalities has been completed. The results of this election also came in favor of the People's Party. People's Party is now the ruling party in the local bodies. The Provincial Caretaker Government should enable the local bodies and it should not be difficult for them to get funds. In the past, there were many complaints from the Sindh government of People's Party to the local bodies that they were not given powers, while it was also difficult to get funds for development works, but the caretaker government needs to pay special attention to the local bodies. The system of basic democracy will be functional only because of the local bodies. If there is work in small towns and villages, then the problems of the common people will be solved. Any kind of discrimination against local bodies is anti-people.

 

On the occasion of the National Day of Russia, a ceremony was held at the Consulate General of Russia in Karachi, in which the Chief Minister of Sindh and the Governor of Sindh were the special guests. Both the personalities expressed their good wishes regarding Pakistan-Russia relations. Russia is a great country with very little trade with Pakistan. Pakistani business community should take advantage of good relations with Russia and increase Pak-Russia trade. Pakistan is importing wheat from Russia, although we are an agricultural country, but we are not self-sufficient even in our basic food. We must learn from our friendly countries how we can increase our yield per acre. There is a good opportunity for the Pakistani business community to make a place in the Russian market. Most of Pakistan's products can find their market in Russia. Russian ambassadors and consulates have already said in this regard that Russia is always ready to increase business relations.

 

Caretaker Chief Minister Sindh met the country manager of the World Bank and discussed the rehabilitation of the flood victims. Much work is still needed in flood-prone areas. Many families could not fully recover. Pakistan is working with international financial institutions. But public safety in flood-prone areas remains intact. The Caretaker Chief Minister has continued the series of inspections in various districts and institutions and has also suspended some officers, but other ministers are not so active in their departments.

 The Caretaker Chief Minister has expressed his desire to renovate Shahrah Faisal and that this important highway should be further upgraded. Surprisingly, the previous government had also upgraded Shahrah Faisal. Attention should also be given to the dilapidated roads. The Caretaker Chief Minister of Sindh has met the Caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan and informed Iran about the ongoing programs especially in Karachi. Karachi Circular Railway is a major project that requires federal guarantee. The Chief Minister of Sindh has informed the Prime Minister in this regard so that after that the work on this project can be started.

 In the Karachi Stock Exchange, the index is rapidly moving towards higher heights and this is also giving an impression of improving the economic condition of the country. The general perception is that investment has stalled in many housing societies. Currency and gold markets are also volatile. Even in such a situation, investors have turned to market shares and this is also giving them benefits. Commercial banks are also investing in it. But over investing in betting business can also prove to be harmful. These institutions should pay special attention to risk management.

Karachi Political Diary

 Karachi Political Diary

Mubasher Mir

A grand event was held at the Consulate of Turkey on the occasion of the centenary of Independence Day, in which political, social, business figures from across the city also participated, as well as media representatives. On this occasion, the Governor of Sindh and the Chief Minister of Sindh were the chief guests and the Consul General of Turkey emphasized to work for further improvement in the diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Turkey. Pakistan and Turkey are the leading countries that support each other clearly even on international forums. Turkey accepts Pakistan's position on the Kashmir issue as correct While Pakistan has always declared Turkey's support for the Cyprus dispute between Turkey and Greece. Thus both countries are very close to each other. There are opportunities for further improvement in the relations between Pakistan and Turkey, especially the development of economic and cultural relations is very important. The people of both the countries also respect each other very much and value each other.

 

Russia's ambassador to Pakistan, based in Islamabad, visited Karachi and specifically attended the Foreign Affairs Council dinner. He said in his speech that Pakistan is very important to him. There is a big difference between the Soviet Union of the past and the Russia of today. We want to move forward economically. There is a lot of potential for trade and tourism development between the two countries. In response to a question, the Russian ambassador said that we want to work together with all the political parties of Pakistan and we have worked with different rulers in the past. In response to a question regarding the sale of arms to Ukraine, he said that the official explanation given by Pakistan is appropriate. But according to informed sources, Russia expressed its reservations regarding this alleged report to Pakistan at the diplomatic level. But Pakistan has not directly sold any arms to Ukraine. The Caretaker Federal Minister of Finance has claimed that inflation is decreasing and its effects will soon be felt on the economy, while more investment in the stock market has also been emphasized. Is. The Ministry of Finance has also failed to reduce unnecessary expenditure on protocols, while non-productive . Stock market is a market in which uncertainty can arise at any time. This has happened many times to investors and their money sinks. In institutions where there is a better risk management department and fund changers have high capabilities in terms of investing, there is least fear of losses, for this the government should improve the system of education and training.

 

Expenditure has also not been reduced. Caretaker Minister advises to increase investment on stock market speculation.

 

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam has also announced to march in favor of the oppressed of Palestine. All the top leadership of JUIF will be present on this occasion, JUIF is insisting that the rulers of Muslim countries declare Jihad.

In his visit to Islamabad, the Governor of Sindh also met the ambassador of Palestine and assured the political, diplomatic and moral support of the oppressed. The people of Palestine are in trouble, according to reports at the time, a humanitarian problem has arisen in Gaza. Electricity, water and other necessities of life have disappeared. While life is at the mercy of death. More than 20,000 people have been injured by the Israeli bombing, and more than 7,000 people have been martyred. Every person's soul trembles when he hears the figures. The international community is silent but the people are protesting. The Palestinian people need all the help they can get.

 

The stage of by-elections is near in 21 districts of Sindh including Karachi. The local government system has been designed in such a way that since January 2023, the series of elections has been going on, which is not going to end. Time and money are being wasted. The local government system is not yet fully functional, yet this system has not learned to stand on its own feet, let alone walk, besides, the politics of this system is also very anti-people. The caretaker government has also started discriminating. The budget of the towns where the People's Party is the head has been approved and the people of the towns where the opposition is in power are demanding the budget to be approved soon. The Caretaker Government of Sindh should maintain neutrality especially with respect to the local bodies, well the Caretaker Government should remain neutral in all aspects, it should not involve its likes and dislikes in any way.

MQM chief Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui has stated that the nation which gained independence is being walled. It is surprising that the Pakistan Movement was run by the Muslim League on the two-nation theory in which Muslims were one nation and Hindus were one. How is the MQM chief associating himself with Tehreek-e-Pakistan in the name of basing his party on Muhajirism? At that time, a large number of Muslims were working for the freedom of India only in the name of Muslim identity, apart from other identities. They can say that our forefathers also sacrificed for Tehreek Pakistan, but they cannot call themselves the inheritors of Tehreek Pakistan. Because the Muslims of Bengal also have a large part in the Pakistan movement. MQM has strengthened the foothold of PPP in Karachi, now it is satisfying its people by making rhetoric against them politically. But the people of Karachi are well aware of the facts behind the political statements.

Karachi Political Diary 

Mubasher Mir 

 Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's arrival in Pakistan after ending his four-year self-imposed exile was not welcomed by the People's Party, but the reactions of the leaders of the People's Party were different, with an element of resentment on their part. Former President Asif Ali Zardari, who has been very close to Mian Nawaz Sharif, did not express good wishes from his side either. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, who before assuming the post of Foreign Minister in the previous government, reached London and met Mian Nawaz Sharif, important messages were exchanged and some promises were also held, he has also kept silent. People's Party is also worried whether they will be able to hold their position in Sindh or not. Right now, the People's Party has complete freedom in many matters. The by-election of Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab was surprising. When the nomination papers of seven candidates against him in the suburbs like UC8 of Malir District, Ibrahim Haidari were rejected and he won unopposed. It is not difficult to guess that after the nomination papers of all the competing candidates were rejected, the Election Commission announced the success of Murtaza Wahab and issued Form 7. Question mark will remain on this decision, Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi division has made the by-election of Mayor Karachi a target of criticism. Although the Provincial Government of Sindh provides support, the Election Commission has the responsibility to conduct clean, transparent and free elections. After the alliance between MQM, GDA and JUIF, it is expected that Muslim League-N will also become a part of this alliance. If this happens, it will be difficult for People's Party to maintain its position in Sindh. PMLN has no vote bank in Sindh, but general perception effects can also be useful. If the date of the election is decided, after that the work on the electoral alliance will start with more force and the process of political alignment in Sindh province is also seen to be in the same style. Political parties have not even fielded their candidates for many specific local government seats across Sindh, including Karachi, especially the Trans Gender seats are vacant. Organizational weakness of political parties is also an argument that their membership is not done with the effort with which they conduct rallies, meetings and processions. Political parties should focus on running their secretariats in a better manner so that they can field better candidates in the elections as well as building up members. Members should also be made in the parties so that they can raise their voices for their rights. MQM leader Farooq Sattar has met Miftah Ismail and invited him to join MQM. There is no response from him yet, but in the current political situation, this offer is important for the former finance minister. As much as Miftah Ismail has criticized his previous party, his return is not seen, while forming a new party and joining Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar in it is not an easy matter. The three leaders have also done many programs together, besides Tehreek-e-Insaaf is also not in a position to get offers from there. Miftah Ismail should consider this offer as MQM lacks candidates who have more knowledge and experience on the economy. There are conflicting reports regarding Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tesori, his term in power is being discussed but nothing is final yet, however, he has shown courage and expressed solidarity with the oppressed of Palestine. Candles were lit at Governor House Sindh and prayers were offered for the oppressed people in which people of different religions participated. The initiative of Governor Sindh was appreciated at the public level. Former President Asif Ali Zardari, Senator Ali Gohar Meher met and announced to join the People's Party by dissociating from the GDA. This process of politicians in Pakistan continues and they keep changing parties. It is as if he is not a supporter of any ideology, but it appears that he has left one job and joined another company. For such politicians, politics is the name of gaining interests. They appear to be apparently successful in this process as their assets continue to increase. And they are constantly part of the halls of power in one way or another. Caretaker Interior Minister Sindh and Caretaker Information Minister Balochistan have discussed the process of departure of Afghan refugees in a joint press conference regarding which the deadline set by the government of Pakistan is approaching, although the families of Afghan refugees are returning. are going but their number is very less. Both the provinces of Sindh and Balochistan are in coordination and intend to take action from November 1. It remains to be seen how successful the government is in this regard. Because repatriating families who have settled on a permanent basis is a huge task. The government's position is that it wants to prevent trafficking. By which the blow to the economy can be redressed. Al-Khidmat Organization, a subsidiary organization of Jamaat-e-Islami, has announced to launch major public interest projects in Karachi, including the establishment of pharmacies and an IT university, certainly welcome announcements. Defense Gaza rally was organized by Wahdat al-Muslimin in which many people participated. Essential relief supplies from Pakistan have also started going to Gaza, but the quantity is very low. Even very little aid is reaching there from around the world. It is feared that human tragedy will not arise.