The ruling Muttahida Qaumi Movement on Tuesday showed flexibility on the issue of local government system in the province, agreeing to bring a new system instead of insisting on the Sindh LGO, 2001. However, a formula for the new LG system would be discussed and finalised by Thursday.
“We have agreed to bring a new LG system in the province,” MQM leader Syed Sardar Ahmed said after attending a PPP-MQM meeting held at the residence of Sindh Local Government Minister Agha Siraj Durani.
Both parties have to reach an agreement before November 6, as the LG system in the province will end on that date due to the expiry of the ordinance issued by Sindh Governor Dr Ishrtaul Ebad Khan around three months ago.
The SLGO, 2001 was restored through the ordinance by reversing the imposition of magistracy in the province.
The major coalition partners have to convene the Sindh Assembly’s session for making legislation in this regard, as after the 18th Amendment, an ordinance cannot be repeated or extended without going to the assembly.
Talking to the Pakistan Today after the meeting, MQM leader Sardar Ahmed said both parties would exchange their proposals regarding formula for a new LG system in the province on Wednesday.
Talking to reporters, Sindh LG Minister Durani said a draft bill regarding the new LG system would be finalised before November 6. Hinting that the PPP had shown flexibility and was not insisting on magistracy, he said the “issue of commissionerate system related to the Board of Revenue, and we have only discussed the LG system in the meeting”.
