With confidence restored, MQM intends to fight for mayor’s powers

Party announces decision to move courts, Sindh Assembly for change in LG system

Karachi

Flying high after Saturday's massive show of support by the people of Karachi in the local government polls, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement on Tuesday announced it would move the courts and raise the issue in the Sindh Assembly to get more powers for the mayor of Karachi and the chairmen of union committees.

“The powers of the mayor and chairmen of union committees were curtailed in the new local government act passed by the Sindh Assembly. We will do everything we can to amend the law and grant powers to the mayor,” said senior leader Haider Abbas Rizvi.

Addressing a crowded press conference at the Lal Qila ground with successful candidates in Saturday’s election to celebrate a “Day of Thanks”, Rizvi expressed his gratitude saying that despite all hurdles and obstacles the people of Karachi had shown their support and given the party their mandate.

He said firstly the party will try to repeal the Sindh Local Government Act 2013 which centralised all powers with the provincial government, rendering the mayor helpless who will end up “begging to the government” for everything.

“Even the biggest problem of the city, sanitation, is looked after by the chief minister. Whether it is policing, education or health, all powers must reside with the local government,” Rizvi said. “The black law empowers the bureaucracy and makes municipal representatives toothless, and enables the control of Sindh government over people elected by the public.”

He referred to Article 140-A of the constitution, and stated the provision to stipulate that the provincial government not only ensure configuration of metropolitan corporations but also devolution of powers to the public representatives by transferring finances, civic and political departments.

However, he said, the Sindh Local Government Act 2013 was still enforced in violation of the Article 140-A.

Rizvi also warned the Sindh government against making transfers, appointments and issuing tenders, and back dating them, soon after the party received the people’s mandate in the local government election.

Meanwhile, on the occasion, MQM chief Altaf Hussain also congratulated the successful candidates and stressed them to priorities the problems of the masses who had voted for them. He said the party had categorically mentioned in its manifesto the rejecting of the provincial local government law and had described it as unconstitutional, illegal and undemocratic.

Earlier, prayers of thanks were held at the Lal Qila ground and were attended by a large number of workers and supporters.

Rizvi also thanked the voters and said the MQM was dedicated to resolving the issues of the people.