Both parties argue in SSWMB devolution case

Apex court ruled for the waste management board's devolution, argues MQM


Our Correspondent October 06, 2017
Karachi mayor had filed a petition in the SHC in which he had maintained that the SSWMB was established under the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board Act, 2014, and was being run by the Sindh government since its establishment.dissolved for failing to perform. PHOTO: MOHAMMAD SAQIB

KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) adjourned on Thursday the hearing of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement's (MQM) petition for the devolution of powers of the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB) to the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation till October 11.

A two-judge bench heard the petition on Thursday. The lawyer representing the MQM argued that it was binding on the provincial government to hand the powers of the SSWMB over to the local government as the apex court had given a ruling on it.

On the other hand, the Sindh government pleaded to the court that the SSWMB was established by the Sindh Assembly through legislation. The government's lawyer contended that the sole right of legislation lies with the assembly. The devolution of the SSWMB to the local government would be illegal because it would be against the law passed by the assembly, the lawyer argued.

SC questions legal status of solid waste management board

The provincial government also claimed that the SSWMB was performing its duties effectively. Contrary to the contention that it was managing waste only in selected districts of Karachi, the waste management board is working in all the districts of the metropolis, the provincial government argued.

After hearing arguments from both sides, the bench fixed the next hearing for October 11.

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