SHC to hear local bodies’ empowerment petitions

MQM-P, JI seek implementation of Supreme Court orders for local government elections

KARACHI:

The Sindh High Court (SHC) has fixed March 31 as the date for hearing of petitions of Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) regarding implementation of the Supreme Court orders to empower local governments.

The bench gave the exact date on insistence of MQM-P counsel.

A two-member bench headed by Chief Justice Sindh High Court Justice Ahmed Ali Sheikh heard the petitions of MQM-P and JI regarding implementation of the Supreme Court orders to empower local bodies.

Sindh chief justice asked Sindh Additional Advocate General to explain the position of the provincial government over the issue. However, the provincial government’s representative sought time for submitting a reply.During the course of hearing, MQM-P counsel used strong words when the chief justice remarked that the hearing would be held in two weeks.

MQM-P Counsel Tariq Mansoor Advocate said that local bodies elections are about to be held, therefore, “fixed date should be given.”

The chief justice remarked that he was not giving a fixed date and would hear the case in two weeks.

Mansoor addressing the chief justice said: “You are bound to give a date under the constitution. You are sitting on the high seat and it is your responsibility to protect the rights of all. It is your responsibility to abide by the oath under Article 194 of the Constitution. You have taken an oath to protect the Constitution and the law. Cases are not heard in your court and even notices are not issued to the parties. Notices were not issued on one of my petitions for six months and another bench issued the notice. If you do not like my face, let me know.”

Barrister Salahuddin Ahmed silenced. Ahmed contended: “We have come here to get the implementation of the decision of the Supreme Court. The Sindh government cannot work on development projects before the local bodies’ elections. Numerous development projects are under way in Karachi. Work on these projects should be stopped till the local bodies’ elections. This is a very important issue. The Supreme Court had also ordered holding of local bodies elections at the earliest.”

The MQM’s counsel also submitted a certified copy of the decision of the Supreme Court. The chief justice remarked, “let the response of the provincial government come then we will look into the matter.”

Mansoor stated that it is requested that implementation of Local Government Act 2013 be stopped. The Additional Advocate General sought time to file reply. At the insistence of the MQM’s counsel, the court adjourned the hearing till March 31.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 18^th, 2022.