Pressure mounts on PPP to debate local govt in assembly

Leaders say that issuing an ordinance will mean bypassing the supremacy of the Sindh Assembly.

KARACHI: The coalition partners of the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party are in agreement that before issuing the ordinance for the local government system, the matter should be brought before the Sindh Assembly.

The science and technology minister, Jam Madad Ali from Pakistan Muslim League - Functional, and Shaharyar Mahar of Pakistan Muslim League- Quaid, held a joint press conference on Thursday.

They said that they would not accept the government’s decision to issue the ordinance and submit a request to convene a session of the Sindh Assembly immediately.

Ali, accompanied by other party members, including Rafique Banbhan, Marvi Rashdi and Nusrat Seher Abbasi, said that the PPP leaders, who used to protest against the ordinance during Arbab Ghulam Rahim’s government, were now repeating the same mistakes.

Stating that the “supremacy of the Sindh Assembly was being bypassed”, he said that the ordinance, if brought to the assembly, would be opposed by most MPAs, including those of the PPP.

“Our suggestion is that the revenue and police departments should be under control of commissioners instead of mayors or nazims,” said Ali, adding that Pir Mazharul Haq had assured the parties that PML- F’s proposal would be incorporated in the new law.

Rumour has it

Sources told The Express Tribune that other PPP assembly members have also expressed their resentment over the local government. Members belonging to Ghotki, Thatta, Jacobabad and Kashmore have reportedly decided to vote against the local government system 2001 if presented in the Sindh Assembly.

“I will appeal to the party’s leaders to avoid such decisions which may create more rebels like Zulfiqar Ali Mirza,” said a senior MPA who is also district president.

“The Mahar brothers have already joined our party while talks are underway with Sheerazis of Thatta and Arbabs of Thar. If this situation continues, the PPP will turn into ‘Lota party’ as the jiyalas will give up.”

Published in The Express Tribune, September 7^th, 2012.