Karachi: MQM leaders while calling for tabling 28th constitutional amendment forthwith and making article 140-A of the constitution more effective has said an empowered local bodies system in the country is need of hour.

During a press conference, MQM Pakistan Chairman Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, alongside Mustafa Kamal, Amin Haq, and Anees Qaimkhani, stated that the long-discussed conflict of the past 30-40 years has now reached Pakistan's doorstep. He praised the government and the armed forces for their role in ending hostilities.

Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said MQM will continue to stand with it for the stability of democracy and the government. However national unity is the need of the hour.

He warned anti Pakistan elements are trying to divide the people on sectarian basis. Therefore, the Ulema from all schools of thought should promote sectarian harmony.

He said Karachi is easy target of the enemy. A peaceful Karachi is must for the survival of the country and economic stability.

This city is not only guarantor of national economy but also of strategic fortification. Representation of entire country is here in Karachi.

Dr Farooq Sattar demanded that the powers enshrined in the constitution should be transferred to grass root level so that the people could make decisions about their destiny on their own.

An effective and empowered local bodies system has become inevitable for the country. While MQM has already presented practical formula for making 44 districts and cities of the country autonomous.

Karachi strategic development plan be fully implemented.