Sindh back to commissioners, but with some limits

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After reaching an eventual agreement with its coalition partner – the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) – for not altering the current administrative boundaries of Hyderabad, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP)-led Sindh government finally notified the appointment of commissioners and deputy commissioner in the province on Thursday – doing away with the local bodies system of 2001. However, the previous administrative status of Karachi was restored – dividing the city into five districts: South, Central, Malir, East and West.
The Sindh Local Government Ordinance (SLGO)-2011 that was promulgated by Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad in August had expired on November 4. Well-placed sources told Pakistan Today that the Sindh chief secretary had signed the notification regarding revival of the 1979 Commissionerate System on November 5, but the notification was held until the deadlock was resolved. The MQM had insisted on continuing the SLGO-2001; however, most members of the ruling PPP opposed the passage of the ordinance from the provincial legislature. On the assurance that the status of Hyderabad district would not be changed, the MQM was persuaded to restore the commissionerate system.