Syed Mustafa Kamal, a prominent leader of the MQM-P (Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan) party and an MP from Karachi, has sparked a debate by drawing a striking comparison between the rapid strides of development in India and the enduring challenges faced by the people of Pakistan, especially referring to Karachi.
Kamal's impassioned remarks were delivered during a recent session at the National Assembly of Pakistan. "The condition in Karachi is today such that, while the world is going to the moon, our children are dying by falling into a gutter in Karachi," he declared, highlighting the stark disparity in progress.
Drawing a stark comparison, he lamented the apparent lag in Karachi's development, juxtaposed against India's impressive technological leaps, as exemplified by the Chandrayaan-3 mission. He noted, "30 years ago, our neighbouring India taught its children what is now in demand around the world. Today, Indians are CEOs of the top 25 companies."
Expressing his concern for the people’s plight, Kamal appealed to the leadership for action, emphasising the urgency of addressing fundamental issues that plague Karachi’s residents. "Whenever we have talked to Asif Ali Zardari sahab, we have found him positive, receptive, and interested in solving the problems," Kamal stated.
Kamal further underscored the educational crisis gripping Pakistan, particularly Karachi. He remarked, "Today, if India is booming, it is because they taught what was needed to be taught. Our IT exports are '7 Arab dollars', while India’s IT exports are '270 Arab dollars."
"This disparity in educational outcomes and economic progress has become a pressing concern, with Kamal spotlighting the dire state of illiteracy affecting millions of Pakistani children. “2.62 crore children are not going to school," he said.
Describing Karachi as the nation's economic powerhouse, Kamal talked about the critical role the city plays in sustaining Pakistan's fiscal health. "Karachi is the revenue engine of Pakistan," he asserted. Despite Karachi's pivotal contribution, Kamal decried the lack of essential amenities, including access to clean water and quality education. "For the past 15 years, Karachi has not been provided with even a drop of fresh water," he said.
The video of Kamal's speech has since gone viral on social media.
“Hats off to him. He's raising valid points,” one X user wrote.
“Constructive criticism is right. But unemployment is true issue today's youth is facing specially graduates and skilled. This must be addressed by any government as soon as possible,” another wrote.
The video has 1.72 lakh views since been shared on X by an Indian journalist. Mustafa Kamal, a former mayor of Karachi, just won elections this year from the NA-242 Karachi Keamari-I constituency. He studied in the UK.
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