MQM-P hails Supreme Court’s 'historic' verdict on Sindh local bodies

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) felicitated citizens of Karachi on the Supreme Court of Pakistan's verdict regarding the local bodies of the province, terming it "historic".

Party convener Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said that the historic decision of the top court reflected the aspirations of the people of Pakistan, adding that "this day is the day of gratitude and a heartiest satisfaction".

He made the remarks while addressing a crowded press conference at the party's Bahadurabad office on Tuesday, according to a statement.

In a decision on a plea filed by the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) in 2013 against the Sindh Local Government Act 2013, the apex court told the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) government to transfer financial, administrative and political powers to the local government.

Also read: Sindh govt bound to empower local bodies, SC rules

"Today's decision has strengthened our faith in the courts," the MQM-P senior leader said.

He invited all political parties and students to stand united in implementing today's historic verdict in letter and spirit.

Speaking on the occasion, MQM-P Senator Faisal Subzwari termed the recent agreement between the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) an attempt to hoodwink the masses.

According to him, the MQM had filed the petition in the court in 2017, that had resulted in today's verdict and a win for the masses.

In today's verdict, the apex court said that it was the constitutional responsibility of the Sindh government to empower local government bodies by ensuring devolution of powers to the local government representatives.

Also read: Sindh govt, JI reach agreement over changes in local govt act

The top court further said that the provincial government could not initiate a project if it fell under the purview of the local government.

It also declared sections 74 and 75 of the Local Government Act void, adding that the government should take measures to make the law in accordance with Article 140 of the Constitution.

In his judgement, Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed stated that the creation and implementation of the city’s master plan was the “prerogative of the local bodies”.

The apex court further told the Sindh government to amend the laws in which there was a contradiction between the powers of the provincial and the local government.