Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman on Tuesday reiterated his call for the establishment of a “city government”, calling it the only viable solution to Karachi’s long-standing administrative and governance challenges.
The Ibrahim Incident and Gul Plaza Fires are just some recent examples of how PPP is committing actual and Economic Genocide of Karachites.
Declare Karachi a Federal Territory Now!
#جمہوری_دہشتگردی_بند_کرو pic.twitter.com/JSNGkcoVsE
— Jahanzaib Khan (@JahanzaibJBK) January 23, 2026
His remarks come in the wake of the deadly Gul Plaza fire, which has renewed debate over local governance. In response to the tragedy, lawmakers have urged greater empowerment of local governments (LGs), while the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) has gone as far as demanding that Karachi be declared a “federal territory”.
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Addressing a press conference in Karachi, Rehman rejected both provincial and federal control, arguing that the Constitution itself provides the answer. “The solution to Karachi’s problems lies in a city government,” he said.
Karachi should be a federal territory, not a province separated from Sindh, and a portion of its revenues should go to Sindh.
Karachi cannot be trusted to manage itself. They still vote for parties like PTI/JI/MQM. You need a helping hand, whether you like it or not.
— nordwind 🍁 (@FalchanKangri) January 24, 2026
To underline his point, the JI chief cited Istanbul as a model of effective local governance, noting that the city’s master planning, fire services, construction oversight, transport, water supply, sewage, education and employment all fall under a single local authority. “This is real governance — not KDA or SBCA,” he said, adding that meaningful development was impossible under the current system.
Rehman maintained that an empowered city government, led by an elected representative, was essential for Karachi, while alleging that Jamaat-i-Islami had been denied the mayoralty. In June 2023, Pakistan Peoples Party leader Murtaza Wahab was elected Karachi’s mayor following a controversial and highly contested process.
The JI chief also announced a march titled “Jeenay dou Karachi ko” (Let Karachi Live), scheduled for February 1 on Sharea Faisal. He said the rally would present JI’s roadmap for the city and expressed hope that it would inspire young people. “We must free the city from mafias and feudal lords,” he added, reiterating his party’s support for Generation Z.
Rehman further called for respect for the people’s mandate and demanded the resignation of Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, holding his government responsible for what he described as administrative incompetence.
Growing calls for local government reforms
The Gul Plaza tragedy has also sparked debate in the National Assembly, where lawmakers have urged reforms to strengthen local governments. The fire, which broke out on the night of January 17 and took nearly two days to extinguish, claimed at least 73 lives and destroyed more than 1,100 shops. Only 23 victims have so far been identified.
Although the first information report described the incident as the result of negligence and carelessness, no individuals have yet been nominated. Karachi police on Monday announced the formation of a special investigation team to arrest those responsible.
During the NA debate, MQM-P leader Dr Farooq Sattar called for the creation of additional administrative units and demanded that greater powers be transferred to the mayor, town chairmen and union council heads.
Support for stronger local governments has also come from PML-N leader Khawaja Asif, who stressed the importance of providing citizens representation at the neighbourhood level. In subsequent remarks, he lamented that political parties had consistently neglected LGs, ultimately undermining civilian governance.
