Sticking points: PPP-MQM deadlock persists over local govt

Ruling party says certain demands of MQM are unreasonable.


Hafeez Tunio August 16, 2012
Sticking points: PPP-MQM deadlock persists over local govt

KARACHI:


Despite claims by the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) that they have evolved consensus over the draft for a new local government system in Sindh, serious differences between the two coalition partners remain.


Consensual legislation on the local government system seems well-nigh impossible in the near future after Sindh Minister for Local Government Agha Siraj Durrani hinted at a serious “deadlock” over the matter between the two parties. “Legislation on the issue is not an easy task,” said the minister.

Talking to the media after hosting an Iftar dinner party, the minister said that MQM has been demanding that certain provincial departments be put under their control as part of the district government in Karachi — demands which were not reasonable, according to Durrani.

Without quoting the names of the specific departments, he said: “Those departments are being demanded by the MQM which have never been part of the district government. How can one devolve them to the district government now?” he questioned rhetorically.

However, the minister claimed to have evolved 80% consensus between the two parties on the new system’s draft but revealed that serious differences persist on some 20 per cent of the draft.

“The core committee cannot resolve the issue but it will submit its recommendations to the leadership of both parties who can decide the matter,” he said.

Meanwhile, sources in the party said that the MQM has been demanding that the revenue department be placed under the control of the district government. They added that the stress was to empower the mayor of the city — who should have complete authority over the police and traffic system of Karachi.

Not only PPP, but MQM leaders have also been announcing for the last two months that they have evolved significant consensus on major issues and that they would move the Sindh Assembly to pass new legislation soon after Eid. But sources within the ruling party said that it was not possible for PPP to compromise by handing over the revenue and police department to the district government.

Similarly, Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah told reporters that it was not easy to pass legislation on the local government system because they needed more time to work on it.

Sources privy to the development revealed that MQM, despite being a coalition partner of the government, has started negotiations with other political forces in Sindh for the upcoming elections.

However, MQM Deputy Convener Farooq Sattar said that they have not yet decided the future course of action regarding the upcoming election alliance and consensus on the local government system is yet to be evolved.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 16th, 2012.

COMMENTS (31)

Juman | 12 years ago | Reply

After the partition the influx of people have given nothing, but have polluted the institutions established by we educated people of this province specially SIndhi Hindus.

Karachiwala | 12 years ago | Reply

@sain no wonder you are the same creature that drags the whole pakistan in the backward era of stoneage. I buy a shop for 80 lakh, pay 5 lakh bribe to get electric and gas connection from sindi (palijo bureaucrat), and before i make any money.. a cart pusher opens a burger shop infront of my shop.. take kunda light and just give monthly bhutta to POLICE to stay there.. he blocks the footpath, that was designed to my ease of walk, If he fell sick.. he use same hospital..which was established by my tax given funds... and you talk SENSE?

we created Pakistan, who migrated from india. otherwise you were living like a dead as you do today. WE do not came for your LOVE- we came for islam and Jinnah callings brought us here... You (who dont even understand self existence) cannot ask me to leave.

I on the other hand must tell you to Behave! behave as human.

Everyone is allowed to come karachi, But then dont occupied Ill-legal Hills, dont create Ill-legal Goths- Dont Pollute street- Care for your youth, plundering in crimes-Dont bring Guns-Dont bring Heroin- Dont Pollute our schools- dont pollute our hospitals- Because in Karachi, it is our TAX money that created it!!!!!!!! Dont bring bhutto to Karachi, although they were well educated-- but they did not even done anything for Larkana- not even a single english medium school~

VIEW MORE COMMENTS
Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ