LAHORE: The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf will join Sindh-based political parties in their protest against the local government ordinance on September 13.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi, the PTI vice chairman, made the announcement at a press conference on Saturday.
He said the PTI rejected the Sindh local government ordinance.
“Despite the Sindh Assembly being in session, the president had to issue an ordinance to restore the local government system,” said Qureshi.
"The president did so because he did not have the support of PPP’s allies," he said adding that some PPP members also had reservations on the issue.
The ordinance, said Qureshi had been passed to appease the MQM but the president had alienated allies like the ANP and the PML-F.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 9th, 2012.
COMMENTS (29)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
PTI just destroyed itself in Karachi
PTI is all for devolution of power. However, this one seems like an act of PPP to please the allies and is primarily aimed at rigging in the elections. There was a good op-ed in Dawn yesterday on the issue.
This is not the first time PTI has sided with the nationalist parties of Sindh. They did it previously when the ordinance for implementation of commisionarate system was withdrawn by the President last year. It is strange that two Punjab based parties i.e PML-N and PTI who claim to be national parties have again decided to choose the side of Sindhi nationalists. Only God can save this country because everybody has become so narrow minded in its lust of power that anything that goes in favor of their opponents, they are not ready to accept even if it goes in favor of the poor Karachites.
This is very Sad! PTI is doing the same politics as other feudal parties are doing in Sind. I was a PTI supporter but not anymore if they act like this against Local bodies.
@Blithe: We are not crying; now we are laughing at the helplessness of punjab as its influence is cut to its size.
@Intizam ul Haq Thanvi, Yes, i watches also that program and he said that as you mentioned. But the reason why PTI is against it now. See the timing, just before the general elections. Purpose is rigging in the next elections through their mayors and deputy mayors. While general elections are on their head, they are just playing dirty politics. They are pleasing MQM as well.
No Karachiite will support this protest. We stand for local government as it represents true essence of democracy.
Dream on SMQ.
@mystreeman: Stop crying against Punjab . Punjab , even though in majority in this federation , have been exceedingly kind and generous, especially given the anti-Punjab vitriol.
MQM are needlessly anti Punjab.
We just doomed our votes and all those expectation which we once had.
PTI have gone nuts, in session or not the system is beneficial for the people of Pakistan so why oppose it?
This man has done more damage to PTI than anyone else. He reminds people of the SAME OLD faces. He has added more aggression to already a all time SOUTING and CONFUSED muttrings of mr Imran khan
OK I will not go to office on 13 Sep.
The fact is very simple. All Punjab based parties ( drawing major support from Punjab) cannot see the permanent dwellers of Sindh deciding on the future on their own hence making Pumjab irrelevant. So no surprise PTI and PML (N) taking same stance. Support for PTI going to zero (if ever there was any) in Urban Sindh.
While this ordinance does not have the best of terms and if implemented will not match the strength of the last local government, by and large it is a great thing that has happened, no matter how close or far the elections. Having a Local Government System is a must for democracy, is practiced all over the world, is mandated by the constitution, and foremost has WORKED in the past. PTI knows this. But unfortunately, it has becoming polluted with opportunist and biased elements. Through SMQ's decision above, PTI has come out as back-tracking on its very own position on Local Government system that it have been bragging about, even recently with their big show of an Economic Plan. They are doing this either to appease the ignorant section of the populace who are not comprehending the good that an LG system brings, playing the ethnic card, reacting due to their hatred of MQM (and worried that the MQM will become more popular once the LG takes root) or possibly even displaying their prejudice against Urdu-Speakers. Whatever it is, through this action, they certainly lost a significant chunk of whatever support they have in Karachi.
PTI seems to be confused party,what they say and what they beleive in,they are immature and confused.
By opposing the LG system Qureshi has shown his real face. All the jagirdars, waderas etc. want to keep all the powers to themselves whereas democracy is shame and sham without local bodies. He says that president ought not have alienated PML-F and ANP as they are their allies. Then what about MQM? Aren't they allies? Are the supporters of MQM slaves of jagirdars? They are non-entity. He should know that more than 92% mandate of Sind belongs to MQM and PPP. Now they are lamenting that ind is being deivided. Where were they when Sind was divided into urban and rural and quota system imposed which was not done in any of other provinces.
Amazing that something that is good for common person get so much opposition. We should not be surprised by pathetic condition we are in.
@Ch. Allah Daad: You reckon PTI copies PMLN??? LoL!
PML(N) opposed LG system immediately after it was announced. PTI is 48 to 72 hours behind PML(N) in every issue. PTI is like a kid who copies every move of his elder brother.
Haters can hate . PTI only saying that it is not proper time for local bodies election.why MQM and PPP not introduced it earlier.Now time for General election
Read the statement carefully, SMQ specifically mentions that they are against it because of the way it was done. Through ordinance it means that members in assembly did not get a chance to refine it and when elected members are ignored then it means that ordinary people were ignored!
PTI supports LG but not the way it was done and not the way it will be implemented. PTI also wants to share revenue and law /order with the LG however that was not done here!
Simply unbelievable, they all seem to be blinded by their prejudice for MQM, otherwise any system which supports representation of peeople can warrant nothing but support. Does PTI have a mind of its own, or just be led by mindlessness of other parties
Am a bit confused with SMQ. He seems to be in opposition to PTI manifesto. Can some insafian please clarify?
PTI just announced introduction of local bodies if it comes to power. Seems the much trumpeted plan by Asad Umer was just words after all.
Dear SMQ:
The Sindh Assembly was not in session when the Ordinance was promulgated. You lose whatever support you had in Karachi.
Regards, A Karachiite
I believe it was in PTI manifesto to have a local govt system? And there are clauses in constitution regarding local govt system election which actually PPP,PMLN govt is delaying since 4.5 years, so what's the fuss all about?
Local government brings democracy to local town and villages and we are against the democracy as we are supported by the establishment.