KARACHI:
On top of the agenda for the Sindh Assembly’s session today [Thursday] is amendments to the Sindh Local Government Act 2013 which became the talk of the town after it was challenged by the Muttahida Qaumi Movement in the Supreme Court on Monday.
Most lawmakers were of the opinion that the amendments will be minor tweaks and adjustments and will not change the administrative and financial powers for which MQM has been demanding.
Dr Sikandar Mandhro, the minister for parliamentary affairs, said that minor corrections will be made, clarifying, “We will not succumb to pressure of any party and withdraw this act. We are considering enhancing the seats for women in local bodies. The government will also welcome proposed amendments by other parties.”
The MQM leaders were also mum about what their stance would be on the debated act during the session. “Our party has already challenged it in the apex court. I will not comment further on it,” Syed Sardar Ahmed, MQM’s parliamentary leader in the assembly, said.
Ahmed had earlier said they would propose to turn Karachi into one district and set up five zones under the administrative control of assistant deputy commissioners. “We want an autonomous LG system having administrative and financial powers as entailed in the 18th Amendment,” said the MQM leader. The Supreme Court has given the provincial government till November 27 to hold the local government election.
Child marriages law
The bill “Child marriages Eradication Act 1013” by Women Development Minister Rubina Saadat Qaimkhani is also on the agenda.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 31st, 2013.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ