MQM-P seeks amendments to local govt law first, elections later.

KARACHI -- Following the Sindh government's decision to postpone the already-delayed local government election in Karachi division for 90 days, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan approached the Sindh High Court on Saturday seeking directives for necessary amendments in relevant laws before holding the LG polls.

Former Karachi mayor Wasim Akhtar, who is a deputy convener of MQM-P, filed an application in SHC pleading to become intervener in a petition filed by Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf against postponement of the second phase of the LG elections in Sindh.

The applicant submitted that the deliberation of stakeholders including MQM-P with the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party was under way for smooth transition and transfer of power by way of making amendments in 49 laws related to local government system in the light of the Feb 1 judgement of the apex court.

The PTI and Jamaat-i-Islami had moved the SHC in August against postponement of the LG polls and their petitions are fixed for hearing before a two-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Ahmed Ali M Shaikh on Monday (tomorrow).

Files petition before SHC to become intervener in PTI's plea

The lawyer for MQM-P, Tariq Mansoor, stated that it was mandatory pre-requisite for the Election Commission of Pakistan and the Sindh government to comply with the Supreme Court's judgement in letter and spirit before holding the LG polls.

The counsel stated that despite passing nine months the SC verdict had not been implemented and the ECP was duty bound to take concrete steps and direct all stakeholders to sit together and ensure devolution and transfer of LG power by making necessary amendments in the relevant statutes as mentioned in the judgement of apex...