PPP likely to introduce key amendments to Sindh Local Govt Act 2013

The draft will go to the Sindh cabinet on December 1 before being tabled in the Assembly

The ruling PPP is preparing to introduce key amendments to the Sindh Local Governments Act 2013, with technical teams from the Sindh Local Government Department and the Law Department currently finalising a draft of the proposed changes, sources told The Express Tribune.

Once vetted, the draft will be placed before the provincial cabinet for approval before being tabled in the Sindh Assembly. Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has convened a special cabinet meeting on December 1 to take up the matter. Acting on his advice, the provincial governor has already summoned a session of the Sindh Assembly, scheduled to commence on Wednesday.

During the session, which is likely to continue for several days, the government plans to table several bills before the House, including the package of amendments to the local government law.

It is also expected that the much-debated bill, seeking to separate the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) from the University of Karachi, will be presented during the same session.

According to PPP insiders, one of the major amendments, under consideration, would abolish the practice of appointing administrators once the tenure of local bodies expires. Instead, existing heads of local councils, including mayors and chairmen, would continue to function until fresh local government elections are held.

When contacted, provincial government spokesperson, MPA Sadia Javed said, the agenda for the upcoming cabinet meeting had yet to be finalised. However, she reiterated, the PPP has consistently welcomed proposals aimed at strengthening and empowering the local government system, and it is likely that reforms will improve the law.

On the forthcoming assembly session, she added that important legislative business is expected, including the introduction of a bill for establishing a constitutional court in Sindh in light of the recent constitutional amendments.