KARACHI: The hasty passage of the Sindh local government bill in the Sindh provincial assembly, that reminded one of living through a dictatorial regime, took everyone by surprise. This bill should have been rigorously discussed and debated in and outside the assembly in order to create a broader consensus on the important issue. Unfortunately, however, it was not the case.
I believe that the proposed system will create anarchy in the province in the name of devolution of power. Diarchy has been introduced in the local government, which many believe will sow the seeds of the ultimate division of Sindh, something completely unacceptable to the people of the province.
No one is against the formation of local governments. However, the people of Sindh have reservations over the make-up of this particular law, which is evident from the widespread agitation and strikes that have taken place across the province. The government should hold a referendum on this issue. This will make it crystal clear to all whether the people of Sindh believe this ordinance to be anti-Sindh or pro-Sindh.
Engr Moazzam Ali Sahito
Published in The Express Tribune, October 6th, 2012.
