Karachi Mayor: Sindh Assembly amends Local Govt Act

KARACHI: Sindh Assembly on Thursday passed key amendment in the Local Government Act, also backed by the MQM and GDA members, ARY News reported.

House approved the amendment allowing the mayor to get elected on a local council seat within six months of election.

PTI members were absent in the house during the legislation passed.

Provincial Minister Nasir Shah said that the amendment allows six months to the mayor for getting elected on the local council seat as per the rule allowing a federal minister.

Deputy Speaker said that Sindh Assembly passed the bill unanimously.

Sind Government had earlier decided to amend the Local Government Act to delete the condition for a mayor candidate to be elected a general or special seat of local council.

The amendment resembles the local government law of Year 2001.

According to PPP sources, Asif Zardari, Faryal Talpur and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari have consulted with the party over the PPP candidate for mayor of Karachi. “Murtaza Wahab, former city administrator, being dubbed as strong contender for the job,” sources said.

Sindh Assembly sources earlier said that the law will be amended to enable Murtaza Wahab to contest the mayor’s election.

Sindh Cabinet has already endorsed proposed amendment in the law.

All People’s Party members including Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, were present in the assembly during the legislation.

Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will finalize the decision and announce the nomination of Karachi Mayor, sources said.