SC reserves verdict on MQM, PTI petitions against Sindh LG law

Top court rules that implementation of Article 140-A is necessary, must be implemented through legislations

ISLAMABAD:

The Supreme Court (SC) on Monday reserved its judgment on Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM-P) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) petitions against the Sindh Local Government Act (SLGA).

A three-member special bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Gulzar Ahmed, said the parties should submit written statements within a week.

Justice Ijazul Ahsan maintained that the court had ruled that the implementation of Article 140-A is necessary and must be implemented through legislation across all provinces.

MQM's counsel, Salahuddin Ahmed, argued that Karachi's building control, water supply, local transport and solid waste, among other local bodies, are under the control of the Sindh government, adding that the local government has the sole responsibility for the maintenance of parks and libraries.

The counsel further stated that civic amenities, including parks and playgrounds, fall under the responsibility of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation. "However, KMC does not have authority over the whole of Karachi."

"I have seen the mayor of Karachi inaugurating public transport many times. However, buses disappear from the roads a day after the inauguration," the chief justice added.

CJP Gulzar Ahmed remarked that if Karachi Mayor Wasim Akhtar cannot deliver, his powers must be withdrawn.

The top court decided that it will provide local bodies with guidelines.

PTI'a petition – moved through its chairman, Imran Khan, and a senior leader, Asad Umar – had contended that the SLGA 2013 does not take into account the Article 140-A as well as Articles 3, 4, 9, 14, 16, 17, 19, 19A and 25 of the Constitution.