PPP, MQM say 'new system' soon: Confusion over existing LG system stays

YASIR BABBAR

KARACHI: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) on Saturday failed to announce whether Commissionerate System or the Local Government Body System (SLGO) would be effective in the province.

However, both the parties will hold talks after Eid-ul-Azha to resolve the issue of new system of local government administration. This was decided in a joint press conference by PPP and MQM leaders at Chief Minister House, here on Saturday.

PPP leader senior Provincial Minister for Education, Pir Mazhar-ul-Haq, and MQM's Health Minister Dr Sagheer Ahmed said that the law would

be tabled in the provincial assembly for approval after thorough debate whether to introduce the Commissionerate System or continue with the current local government system run by the DCOs.

Minister for Local Government Agha Siraj Durrani, Minister for Law & Parliamentary Affairs Ayaz Soomro, Minister for Archives & Special Development Rafique Engineer, Minister Syed Sardar Ahmed, former District Nazim Kanwar Naveed Jameel, former Town Nazim Wasie Jaleel and Wasim Akhtar MNA were present on the occasion.

Dr Sagheer said that Altaf Hussain had directed all the party office bearers and workers to extend full support to PPP. He also directed all party representatives to resolve the matter of local government system in with consultations with PPP," Dr Sagheer further said. The country was already facing internal and external problems so MQM decided to avoid any confrontation on any issue, he said adding that keeping in view the activities of anti-democratic forces, MQM had not placed any condition to the PPP regarding the local government system.

Senior Minister for Education and Literacy Pir Mazhar-ul-Haq thanked the MQM leader Altaf Hussein saying MQM had always supported PPP in difficult times. He said that President Zardari had continued the policy of reconciliation of Benazir Bhutto, which will take the country towards development and unity.

In his telephonic address to the media, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah said the Commissionerate System of governance has not been a big issue as portrayed in different circles.