PPP resisting devolution of powers, claims JI

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Karachi Ameer Engr Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has said that resistance offered by the Pakistan People Party against devolution of powers has been rooted in the mindset of the party and its top brass. Addressing a press conference, held at Idara Noor-e-Haq, the JI Karachi headquarters, here on Sunday, the JI leader continued that the PPP has withheld the powers of the elected representatives of the people in the pretext of interim period.

He made it clear that the JI will issue a charter in connection with the administrative and monetary powers of chairmen in towns and union councils. He asked Mayor Murtaza Wahab to talk to his party over devolution of powers to the grass root level under Article 140-A of the Constitution of Pakistan and warned that the PPP will have to face strong resistance, if delay tactics are used to avoid devolution of powers.

Speaking on the occasion, he declared the establishment of Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB) as illegal and unconstitutional. The JI leader demanded the government to abolish the board and hand over all the relevant functionaries to the elected bodies. The JI leader also lambasted the PPP government in Sindh over creating hurdles in removal of offal and remains of sacrificial animals from neighbourhoods, particularly in the towns won by the JI.