KARACHI, September 19, 2026: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Sindh General Secretary Senator Waqar Mehdi has responded to Federal Minister Mustafa Kamal’s press conference, criticizing his position on Sindh’s constitutional rights, the 18th Amendment, and the creation of new administrative units.
Waqar Mehdi said the 18th Amendment is an important part of the constitutional framework concerning the devolution of powers and provincial autonomy, and described attempts to make it controversial as contrary to constitutional facts. He said that if granting powers to provinces amounts to creating a new country, then MQM’s signatures are also present on the 18th Amendment.
The PPP leader questioned why MQM’s position in the Sindh Assembly differs from its current position within the federal government. He said those calling for new provinces or administrative units should present a clear constitutional and administrative plan before the public.
Waqar Mehdi said the people of Sindh would not compromise on their constitutional rights, resources, and provincial autonomy. He added that instead of debating the division of Sindh or the creation of new provinces, attention should be focused on education, healthcare, employment, water supply, and basic public services.
He claimed that the PPP provincial government is working for balanced development across urban and rural Sindh, including Karachi, while the city’s local government is working on infrastructure and civic issues through various development projects.
Waqar Mehdi also called on Mustafa Kamal to answer questions regarding the performance of the federal government and clarify his position on issues including petroleum prices, the petroleum levy, and the difficulties faced by the public. The issue of petroleum levies and fuel prices has also been part of parliamentary discussions in 2026.
He said responding to the questions and complaints of victims of the PIMS incident is the government’s responsibility, while also calling for clarification of the federal government’s role regarding the rehabilitation of Gul Plaza victims.
Waqar Mehdi said the people of Sindh need development, employment, peace, and basic services rather than politics centered on division. He reiterated that the PPP would continue to maintain its political and constitutional position on protecting Sindh’s constitutional rights and provincial autonomy.
The response comes amid continuing differences among political parties over Sindh’s administrative status and proposals for new administrative units. Waqar Mehdi had also criticized Mustafa Kamal’s remarks concerning Sindh last month.
