KARACHI: The Sindh cabinet on Friday okayed a proposal, delaying local government elections in Karachi by 90 more days. This announcement came to light when the local government department wrote a letter to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and apprised them of the provincial government’s decision.
Also read: Sindh govt refuses to provide security for Karachi’s LG polls
The move by the Sindh government came just days after it reportedly removed a legal impediment and paved the way for delaying the polls. The decision to this effect was reached during talks between the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Muttahida Quami Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) a few days back.
It is pertinent to mention here that under Section 34 of the Local Government Act 2016, the Government in consultation with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has to conduct the polls within 120 days. However, the amendment made to this clause now reads, “provided further that Government may extend or curtail the period mentioned in this section if the circumstances so warrant.”
The Sindh Government cites reports from Home Department and Police, saying current situation is not feasible for conducting local bodies elections. It said the amendment was done on the recommendation of Local Government Department.
Also read: Sindh govt again asks ECP to postpone LG polls in Karachi
It is also pertinent to mention here that the Sindh High Court had taken exception to delays in the holding of local government elections in Karachi and Hyderabad by the Election Commission of Pakistan on grounds of lack of security, and directed the advocate general to submit details of police and Rangers’ deployment in the province.
