Sindh Assembly discusses 'the Sindh Universities Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2018'

The Sindh Assembly (SA) on Thursday opened its debate on a controversial legislation - "the Sindh Universities Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2018", that again drew opposition's disapproval.
The bill, which not only had failed to attain the opposition's nod in the house during it was being adopted by treasury members, it also remained unsuccessful to impress the Sindh Governor's ascent. Thus, it was again tabled in the house for further deliberation and consideration.
Chief Minister Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah hoped the treasury will make an impact with opposition to carry out the legislation unanimously. The legislation carried 24 amendments to its existing act, divesting the Sindh Governor of its status to serve the universities as a chancellor.
"The Governor has cited wrong references to justify his objections to the legislation," the angry Chief Minister Sindh told the house, saying that "Article 105 is quite clear to define Governor's powers". Showing concerns, he said that there are forces against the 18th Constitutional Amendment, "we know who they are".
He said that the public has rejected those who are against 18th Amendment, adding that "if the Governor had called, we would have held a talk with him" on the legislation. He said that the Sindh Assembly has the powers to make laws, rules and regulations.
He said that the legislation was aimed at allowing the assembly to have an eye on the universities affairs and giving away more powers and improvement. Murad called the Governor's post as 'ceremonial'. He vowed to defend the legislation, saying that "the law will be what this assembly makes".
MQM's Syed Sardar Ahmed advised the treasury to stay away from interfering in the matters of vice chancellors. He said, "If there are any misappropriations, they should be probed," adding that the government should appoint a high-stature and qualified persons as vice chancellors.
"It is the 10th consecutive year to depict the Sindh government's performances in education sector," Faisal Sabzwari, a senior lawmaker of MQM told the treasury.
He said that the government preferences towards the education sector is nonexistent, which he called "not a Sindh or education support". The government has resources to found new universities in public sector, he asked the ruling party, advising it "the education system will have to be improved". He said that the MQM's objection or opposition is justified.
Earlier, PTI's lawmakers staged a protest walkout from the house after Khurrum Sher Zaman Khan's adjournment motion on auditor general's report highlighting the Sindh government's financial misappropriations was rejected by the treasury. Khurrum Sher Zaman and Sindh Senior Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Nisar Khuhro also exchanged unfriendly words in the house. The house will continue discussion on the legislation on Friday as well.