LG system restored in Karachi, Hyderabad

The PPP-led coalition government has decided to restore local government system in Karachi and Hyderabad. However, in the remaining 21 districts of Sindh, the commissionerate system will remain in place. Two ordinances to this regard have been signed by the Governor Sindh, Aaj News reported late Saturday night.
These decisions of the meeting were disclosed at a press conference by Governor Sindh Dr Ishrat ul Ibad Khan and Pakistan People's Party leader Babar Awan late Saturday night. Awan said that Local Government Ordinance of 2001 will again come into force in Karachi and Hyderabad as the previous status of Hyderabad and Karachi had been restored and an ordinance to this effect also been signed by the Governor Sindh.
According to him, the PPP and MQM are natural allies. Earlier Dr Babar Awan held a one-on-one meeting with Sindh Governor Dr Ishrat-ul-Ebad at Governor House. Later, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah also joined them.
Our staff reporter Naveed Butt from Islamabad adds: Sindh Governor Dr Ishrat ul Ebad on Saturday held a meeting with PPP leader Senator Babar Awan and agreed to establish working relationship between Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM). Awan had invited Sindh Governor Dr Ishrat-ul-Ebad to his residence in Islamabad to finalise the reconciliation formula in accordance with the guidelines given by the leaders of the parties.
After the meeting, Dr Ishrat-ul-Ebad along with Babar Awan told mediapersons that political and administrative steps would be taken for peace and stability in Karachi and the rest of the country. He said the situation in Karachi must be controlled before the need of army action in the city arises. "Why should we allow the conditions to deteriorate to the point that we have to call in the army?" Dr Ebad questioned.
He said the talks are still going on between PPP and MQM for solution of all issues and the result of the meeting with the senior PPP leader would soon come to limelight. There will be another meeting in Karachi to ensure good governance and to provide relief to the people.
Ebad said measures would be taken for political stability and to protect the country and its institutions. He said certain groups want to take advantage of political differences and exploit them to destabilise Karachi. Awan said President Zardari and MQM Chief Altaf Hussain were working to strengthen democratic institutions and dialogue would be initiated to stop the blame game. He said under the guidance of the party leaders all issues would be resolved with sincerity.