HYDERABAD: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah has said that local government (LG) elections could be held after the general elections, adding that it was the responsibility of the Election Commission of Pakistan to conduct them.
Addressing a press conference on Saturday evening, Shah said that other provinces in the country have still not introduced the local government system while a deteriorating law and order situation in some of these provinces could also pose a hurdle in holding LG elections before general elections.
“In Sindh, government’s efforts helped in controlling the law and order situation as crime rate has significantly been reduced as compared to past regimes,” he said, with the exception of some elements which do not want strengthening of democracy.
However, the chief minister maintained that activities of these anti-government elements, involved in blasts on railway tracks, attacking houses of public representatives and challenging the writ of the government would not be tolerated and will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
Shah strongly criticised the anti-democratic attitude of some so called nationalist groups, regarding their protests against the new LG System, adding that the people of the province were fully aware that these groups were remnants of dictatorial regime in the past and were now trying to blackmail the democratic government under the cover of LG system.
“The maintenance of law and order and protection of life and properties of law abiding people are the responsibilities of the government and the present government is making all out efforts in this direction,” he said.
Talking about the anti-democratic attitude of opposition parties, during the passing of the SPLGO bill in the Sindh assembly, Shah said, “In a Sindh assembly session, some 20 to 22 members of the opposition parties had demonstrated anti-democratic attitude at the time of the passing bill of the new LG System,” adding that the demonstration was held contrary to the rules of the house.
“The new local government system is catering to the demands of the masses and 159 members of the house have passed the bill through democratic procedure with majority,” the chief minister said and that the bill was passed in accordance with Article 140-A of the 18th Amendment of the Constitution.
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Really, there is no problem in holding Local Bodies polls in Sindh. These are excuses to delay mowing the lawn. The rural vote will go to the PPP because of the yoke of the waderas.
Mr. Chief Minister, just look at the lawless country and prevalent disorder. You should be thankful to Allah Allmighty (SWT) there is no Taliban activity in interior Sindh or southern Baluchistan. In the five years you are at the helm of affairs, where is the improvement?
Make a sacrifice and call for LB elections. Sacrifice meaning give up your position of Chief Minister alternately, take a stand with the President. Salams to all