Jamaat-i-Islami chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman on Tuesday urged the creation of a fully empowered “city government” as the only way to address Karachi’s chronic governance and administrative challenges.
Speaking at a press conference, Rehman argued that provincial or federal control cannot solve the city’s problems, citing the Constitution as mandating strong local governance. “The solution to Karachi’s issues is not provincial or federal control. According to the Constitution, the solution is Karachi city government,” he said.
Using Istanbul as an example, Rehman highlighted how true city governance encompasses comprehensive planning, including fire services, construction, transportation, water, sewage, education, and employment. “This is real governance, not the KDA or SBCA. Development cannot result from them,” he said.
The JI chief also criticised the current mayorship, alleging it was “stolen from JI” after Murtaza Wahab became Karachi’s first PPP mayor in June 2023 amid controversy.
Rehman announced a public march, “Jeenay Dou Karachi Ko” (Let Karachi Live), on February 1 along Sharea Faisal, saying it would “give young people hope” and outlining plans to rid the city of “mafia and feudal influence.” He reiterated that the “people’s mandate must be respected and a city governance plan implemented,” while demanding that Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah resign for his government’s “incompetence.”
Growing calls for local government reform
The demand for stronger local governance has gained momentum following the Gul Plaza tragedy, which erupted on January 17, claiming at least 73 lives and destroying more than 1,100 shops. While the FIR cited “negligence and carelessness” as the cause, no suspects have yet been named. Karachi police have formed a special team to pursue arrests.
In the National Assembly, MQM-P leader Dr Farooq Sattar called for creating more administrative units and transferring powers to mayors, town chairmen, and union council chairmen. PML-N’s Khawaja Asif also backed stronger local governments, stressing the importance of citizen representation and warning that neglect of LGs undermines civilian rule.
As Karachi reels from repeated crises, Rehman’s call for a city government underscores the broader push for meaningful decentralisation and local accountability.