Sindh LG law: JI returns to Karachi politics, calls off sit-in after govt accepts demands
JI called off sit-in today after the Sindh government announced to withdraw controversial portions of LG law.
KARACHI: The prolonged sit-in of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has borne fruit after 29 days as the Sindh government surrendered to the protestors’ demands and announced to withdraw controversial portions of the local government (LG) law, leading the religio-political party to call off citywide protests today.
The talks between the Sindh government and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) reached a conclusive end as both sides agreed to make changes in the controversial LG law, restoring the mayoral powers.
Yesterday, the protesting JI had announced to expand the sit-in to other parts of the metropolis and complete preparations to block five main roads of Karachi to mount pressure on the provincial government for the withdrawal of the controversial LG law.
In development on Thursday late night, the Sindh government dialogue committee led by Nasir Hussain Shah and other members reached the JI sit-in venue outside the Sindh Assembly. They announced that the provincial government is ready to restore the powers of the mayor including the administrative authorities of different municipal institutions.
Addressing a press conference, Nasir Hussain Shah announced that the ruling Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) have agreed to empower the mayor by restoring its administrative powers on several municipal institutions including Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) as its chairman.
The other demands accepted by the Sindh government included the establishment of Provincial Finance Commission (PFC) with the inclusion of the mayor and town chairman as the commission’s members, restoration of the mayor’s authority over all educational and health institutions including Karachi Medical and Dental College.
Shah added that the municipal institutions will also get their shares of motor vehicle tax (MVT), mayor and chairmen will be given special powers in the development and building control authorities.
Moreover, the Solid Water Management Board will also be given under the supervision of the mayor, whereas, the Sindh government will assist the municipal authority to give university status to the KMDC.
JI Karachi chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, while addressing the protestors, said that a written agreement was signed with the Sindh government for the rights of Karachi and the people of the Sindh. He announced to end sit-in after getting success in the campaign for the rights of the metropolis and the people across the province.
