Political Diary Karachi

 Political Diary Karachi

Mubasher Mir

The recent Solidarity Gaza March on Karachi’s Shahrah-e-Faisal has once again demonstrated that the people of Pakistan stand firmly with the Palestinian cause. The turnout was massive, emotional, and politically meaningful, reflecting that for ordinary Pakistanis, Palestine is not a distant issue but an existential one tied to Muslim identity and global justice.

The message was crystal clear: Israel remains unacceptable, the “two-state solution” is a non-starter, and Hamas is viewed as the true face of Palestinian resistance.

Gaza and the Pakistani Conscience

The highlight of the march was the speech of Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman, who recalled the historic words of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, declaring that Pakistan would never recognize Israel. His bold demand that Pakistan open a Hamas office within its territory exposed the sharp gap between public sentiment and state policy.

The ordinary people of Pakistan, alongside political workers across divides, align themselves with the martyrs, children, and women of Gaza. The state, however, remains silent, bound by American influence and diplomatic compulsions.

A striking aspect of the rally was the participation of leaders from different political and sectarian backgrounds. This underlined that the Palestinian cause transcends party lines and unites the Muslim Ummah. Speakers pointedly criticized the paralysis of the United Nations and the monopoly of the United States, which have left Palestinians trapped in a cycle of oppression.

Notably, the marchers also condemned the Abraham Accords, singling out Arab governments attempting to normalize ties with Israel. Pakistanis, once again, made their position unambiguous: they will not support any deal that sidelines Palestinian resistance or legitimizes Israel.

But here lies the test: Can Pakistan’s rulers translate this public passion into actual policy?

Beyond Slogans: Steps Pakistan Must Take

Mass rallies and fiery speeches are important but insufficient. What Pakistan needs is policy backed by action:

1. Diplomatic and material aid for the Palestinians must be increased.

2. A joint Islamic bloc strategy must be pursued to pressurize Israel internationally.

3. Pakistan’s historic and ideological stance must not be diluted under foreign pressure.

At a time when Palestinians are surrounded by death and destruction, Pakistan’s solidarity is praiseworthy. Yet the real challenge is for the state: will it choose bold, principled leadership, or remain paralyzed by expediency?

Karachi: The Neglected Lifeline

While Karachi stood for Gaza on the streets, its own story is one of deep neglect. At a Pakistan Business Forum roundtable, former Finance Secretary Younis Dagha revealed shocking numbers: Karachi has been denied Rs 3,360 billion in the 15 years since 2010. Funds that could have modernized infrastructure and completed essential projects like K-4 water supply, Circular Railway, BRT systems, and road networks never reached the city.

The figures tell a damning story. Of Pakistan’s Rs 12,500 billion federal budget, a colossal Rs 8,000 billion comes from Karachi, while the rest of the country contributes only Rs 4,500 billion. Despite being the economic engine—through industries, ports, exports, and taxes—Karachi remains crippled by broken roads, water shortages, power failures, and outdated transport.

One question dominates: If Karachi generates 67 percent of the country’s revenues, why is it left in ruins?

The answer lies in systemic misgovernance. The Sindh government under the PPP has presided over a ballooning provincial budget, from Rs 450 billion to Rs 3,500 billion in 15 years. Yet the KMC budget remains stuck at Rs 25 billion, leaving Karachi starved.

Opposition Leader Saifuddin Advocate summed up the decay: under Mayor Naimatullah Khan, even a union committee chairman could build all roads in his constituency; today, getting a single road repaired is a monumental task. Resources exist, but priorities and honesty do not.

The injustice to Karachi is not local—it sabotages Pakistan’s national economy. Without modern infrastructure, water, and transport projects, Pakistan cannot achieve sustainable growth.

What Karachi Needs

Rs 880 billion annually, its fair share, must be allocated.

Port and octroi revenues should be reinvested directly in the city.

Local governments must be empowered financially and administratively.

Above all, transparency is vital to prevent corruption from devouring development funds.

Karachi is not merely Sindh’s capital—it is Pakistan’s economic backbone. To weaken it is to undermine Pakistan itself. If policymakers continue their apathy, public trust will collapse, and even the integrity of the state may face erosion.

Water Disputes and Federal Trust

Another brewing storm is the federal water dispute. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s recent remarks on a controversial canal project ignited backlash from the PPP Sindh, which termed her statements a violation of the Council of Common Interests (CCI) decision.

According to PPP Sindh President Nisar Khuhro, the project had already been unanimously rejected by the CCI, making Maryam’s words unconstitutional and damaging to federal trust. Sindh’s long-standing fear is that Punjab seeks dominance over Indus waters, leaving tail-end Sindh vulnerable.

Khuhro reminded that Nawaz Sharif himself shelved divisive projects like the Kalabagh Dam to preserve national unity—insight Maryam appears to lack.

Here arises a critical question: Were Maryam’s remarks mere rhetoric for provincial politics, or an early outline of government policy? If it is the latter, Pakistan could face serious provincial confrontation.

The PPP has also accused the Punjab government of mishandling flood relief, alleging deliberate cuts that saved elite properties while drowning poor farmers. If substantiated, this would be not only mismanagement but outright social injustice.

The Punjab government must come clean: how much aid was allocated, from what sources, and how transparently it was distributed. Without facts, political accusations will continue to erode trust.

The Need for Trust and Constitutionality

Pakistan’s federation rests on trust, fairness, and adherence to constitutional forums. The CCI exists to ensure equitable resource allocation. If provincial governments defy its authority, the result will be discord and weakened national cohesion.

Maryam Nawaz and Punjab must respect institutional decisions and avoid statements that inflame sensitivities. At the same time, the PPP should avoid exploiting such issues for political mileage and instead propose constructive solutions.

Conclusion: Three Fronts, One Test

From Gaza solidarity, to Karachi’s deprivation, to water disputes, Pakistan faces challenges that are deeply interconnected. Each represents a test of leadership, principle, and governance.

On Palestine, Pakistan must move beyond slogans and take principled diplomatic steps.

On Karachi, justice in resource allocation and governance reform is essential for economic stability.

On water disputes, constitutional forums and provincial trust must be protected at all costs.

The lesson is simple: Pakistan cannot afford expediency. Whether in foreign policy or domestic governance, principled stands and transparent action are the only path to restore public trust and safeguard the federation.