The draft will go to the Sindh cabinet on December 1 before being presented to the Assembly.
Sindh Assembly Session. PHOTO: NNI
The ruling PPP is preparing to introduce key amendments to the Sindh Local Government Act 2013, and technical teams at the Sindh Local Government Department and the Law Department are finalizing a draft of the proposed changes, sources said. The express PAkGazette.
Once vetted, the draft will be presented to the provincial cabinet for approval before being presented to the Sindh Assembly. Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah called a special cabinet meeting on December 1 to take up the matter. Following his advice, the provincial governor has already called a session of the Sindh Assembly, which is scheduled to begin on Wednesday.
During the session, which is likely to last for several days, the Government plans to present several bills to the House, including a package of amendments to the local administration law.
The much-debated bill, which seeks to separate the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) from the University of Karachi, is also expected to be introduced during the same session.
According to PPP experts, one of the main amendments being considered would abolish the practice of appointing administrators once the mandate of local bodies expires. Instead, the current heads of local councils, including mayors and presidents, would continue to serve until new local government elections are held.
When contacted, provincial government spokesperson MPA Sadia Javed said the agenda for the next cabinet meeting was yet to be finalised. However, he reiterated, the PPP has always welcomed proposals aimed at strengthening and empowering the local government system, and the reforms are likely to improve the law.
On the upcoming assembly session, he added that important legislative matters are expected, including the introduction of a bill to establish a constitutional court in Sindh in light of the recent constitutional amendments.
