Sharjeel Memon says local government elections will be held soon. PHOTO: FILE
"They will be held at an appropriate time soon under the 1979 system," he told reporters.
The Sindh government, that was in power for the previous five years, had tussled with which law to follow for the local government. It had flitted between the 2002 law for local government and the 1979 administrative setup before promulgating the Sindh Local Government Act 2012 last year despite protests from some corners. However, in the last days of government before the elections, it had repealed the law and reverted to the 1979 local administration set up.
On Saturday Memon clarified that the 1979 law will be amended in consultation will all the political stakeholders before local body elections are held. The Pakistan Peoples Party, Memon said, was open to consultation with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf and the PML-Functional on the matter.
"Certain amendments will be made in the law to make it more representative."
Earlier this week, the former Sindh Assembly Speaker Nisar Khuhro had hinted that local government elections could be held under the 1979 system.
Memon rejects MQM allegations of racism
The information minister said the PPP government has reservations on the statement of MQM chief Altaf Hussain that the Urdu speaking community has been kept out of the power sharing.
"All the people who live in Pakistan are Pakistanis and those who live in Sindh are Sindhis. We don't believe in racism."
Memon said the PPP will take up this matter with Governor Sindh Dr Ishratul Ebad when he returns from his foreign visit.
The Information minister also hit out at those trying to infringe on their mandate.
"If someone tries to bulldoze the mandate of the people of Sindh, then the people of Sindh are not wearing bangles."
COMMENTS (9)
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18 amendment makes NS 3rd time PM and in this 18 ammend. also mention of local bodies government why not NS
Pls evaluate if Zia's 1979 LG delivered more than the Musharraf''s LG in Karachi.
Only MQM will serve the Karachites best interest and no other party
Mr. Memon needs to learn the art and skill of persuasion from the other Mr. Memon of the opposing party. His shrill outbursts last 5 years brought the downfall of the PPP, if he did some introspection.
In support Musharraf local bodies setup instead of 1979 !!
PPP wants control over Karachi. PPP has no chance in a local body election.
waderaas don't want to give power to common man.