Karachi: Altaf Shakoor, Chairman of the Pasban Democratic Party (PDP), criticized the urban-rural quota system in Sindh, describing it as a divisive and unconstitutional policy that promotes injustice in the name of politically-motivated quotas. Speaking on Sunday, Shakoor argued for the abolition of the system, citing its role in deepening regional divides and undermining merit in government job allocations.

According to Pasban Democratic Party, the urban-rural quota is uniquely applied in Sindh, unlike other provinces of Pakistan, which Shakoor claims is discriminatory and thus unconstitutional. He urged the Supreme Court of Pakistan to take suo moto action against this discrimination that uniquely affects citizens of Sindh province. The chairman also highlighted the illegal extension of the quota system by the previous government, calling for its annulment.

Shakoor advocated for a unified provincial quota like those in other provinces, emphasizing the need to prioritize merit-based recruitment across all government positions. He proposed that all government jobs, regardless of pay scales and grades, should be filled through public service commissions, with necessary legislation introduced promptly. Additionally, he suggested the implementation of a universal social security system and a joblessness allowance for all unemployed Pakistanis as constitutional rights.

Further emphasizing the potential of the agriculture and irrigation sectors to generate employment, Shakoor detailed how investment in new dams, canals, drip irrigation, and modern farming techniques could transform Pakistan’s vast arid and semi-arid lands. He projected that such an agricultural revolution would create millions of new jobs, reducing the dependency on government employment.