- The war of words over the Sindh government
The MQM-P is allied to the PTI, and these successors of the old MQM have a desire to bring down the PPP’s Murad Ali Shah-led Sindh government. Therefore, MQM-P Convener Maqbool Siddiqui’s suggestion on Saturday that the federal government should intervene in the province under Article 149 of the Constitution cannot be regarded as either prescriptive or innocuous. Indeed, as Mr Siddiqui is a federal minister, it must be regarded as government policy. Article 149 empowers the federal government to give directions to the government on how to exercise its powers, so as not to interfere with federal prerogative.
The MQM-P may have issues with the Sindh government, but that does not seem reason enough to raise the 18th Amendment, as Mr Siddiqui did. Mr Siddiqui’s criticism may echo that made by a section of the federal government, but it does not explain how two provinces are being created. Meanwhile, PPP Co-Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari responded the same day in Ghotki by calling on the MQM-P not to practise ethnic politics. While the two parties indulge in their latest war of words, Mr Siddiqui raised an intriguing point when he said that the 18th Amendment had not led to the transfer of resources to the grassroots. At the moment, the National Finance Commission is deliberating on a new NFC Award, which has the federal and provincial shares under discussion, with the provinces asking for a larger share so that they can fund the functions devolved to them under the 18th Amendment. The onward compulsory devolution to local bodies was a pet project of the Musharraf government, and would benefit the MQM if implemented, because of its control of local councils in such urban areas as Karachi.
The 18th Amendment is open to debate, but it should be remembered that it was passed by Parliament in 2010 with all parties in accord. Any criticism, especially by such a prominent politician as Mr Siddiqui, should be accompanied by an alternative amendment, which may be introduced in Parliament for due debate and passage. As an MNA, Mr Siddiqui can bring a Private Bill, though that might raise questions about the propriety of his remaining on Cabinet. Just making a speech and throwing out charges devoid of meaning will not wash.
