The ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in Sindh is preparing to introduce amendments to the province’s local government law, officials said. Experts from the Sindh Local Government and Law Departments are drafting proposed changes to the Sindh Local Governments Act 2013, which will be presented to the Sindh Cabinet for approval before being submitted to the provincial assembly for ratification.
Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has called a special cabinet meeting on December 1 to discuss the proposed amendments. A session of the Sindh Assembly, which began on November 26, will also consider these changes along with several other key bills.
Sources said the proposed amendments could prevent the appointment of administrators after the term of local bodies expires, ensuring that incumbent mayors and chairpersons continue to perform their duties until the next elections. The amendments may also allow local body leaders to represent various provincial departments.
During the assembly session, a controversial bill separating the International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences from the University of Karachi is expected to be presented. Additionally, in line with the 26th Amendment, legislation to establish a constitutional court in Sindh will also be tabled.
PPP lawmakers have indicated that the reforms aim to strengthen local governance and improve the existing system.
Speaking to The Express Tribune, Sindh Assembly member Saadia Javed said the cabinet agenda has not been finalized but emphasized that proposals are intended to make the local government system more empowered and effective.
