The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) is demanding the creation of new administrative units and provinces within Sindh to improve regional governance.
This push represents a significant escalation in the political struggle over the administration of Karachi. The party argues that the current provincial structure is unable to meet the needs of a growing population, potentially leading to increased civil unrest if administrative reforms are not implemented.
Party leader Mustafa Kamal said a national dialogue is needed to address the need for new provinces. The MQM-P argues that the population size of Sindh and existing administrative challenges require additional units to align governance with demographic realities [5].
To pressure the government, the party has announced plans for street protests focusing on the rights of Karachi [1]. These demonstrations follow a period of heightened tension between the MQM-P and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). The two parties traded barbs over the push for new provinces as early as July 27, 2026 [1].
The MQM-P formally renewed its public call for the creation of these new provinces on August 16, 2026 [2]. The party maintains that smaller administrative units would allow for more efficient service delivery, and better resource allocation for urban centers.
This demand has found some alignment with other political figures. Earlier this month, MQM-P member Abbasi said he supports calls made by Mohsin Naqvi regarding the creation of new provinces [4]. The party continues to push for a structured national debate to resolve the long-standing dispute over Sindh's administrative boundaries.
“The MQM-P is demanding the creation of new administrative units and provinces within Sindh.”
The renewed demand for provincial restructuring in Sindh highlights a deep-seated conflict between urban centers like Karachi and the provincial government. By shifting from legislative requests to street protests, the MQM-P is attempting to leverage public mobilization to force a constitutional conversation on administrative decentralization, which remains a volatile issue in Pakistani internal politics.
