SHC summons LG secretary to explain bye-laws on stray dogs.

KARACHI -- Taking notice of the absence of the provincial local government (LG) secretary despite issuance of directives, the Sindh High Court on Thursday summoned him personally on March 3 to explain the position regarding formation of bye-laws to deal with the matter of stray dogs under the Local Government Act, 2013.

A two-judge bench, comprising Justices Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Amjad Ali Sahito, passed this direction while hearing a petition seeking to control the population of stray dogs and ensuring availability of free anti-rabies vaccine in the province.

At the outset, additional advocate general Jawad Dero submitted that the additional secretary of the provincial LG department had been informed, but he was absent.

The bench observed that in the order dated Dec 2, 2020 clear directions were given that in view of the provision contained in the Local Government Act, 2013 the bye-laws were to be framed but still no bye-laws were framed, therefore, directions were given, but no progress report was filed.

The bench directed the office to issue a notice to the LG secretary to appear in person and explain the position.

The counsel representing the district municipal corporations and the cantonment boards made a clear statement that they were making their best possible efforts in their jurisdiction to avoid the incidents of dog bite and further progress reports would be submitted by them on the next date.

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The counsel for DMC Malir submitted a progress report, which was taken on record.

The bench fixed the hearing at 11am on March 3 on which date the LG secretary was directed to also update the court with regard to the shelter home for which a PC-I was approved and what was the current status of the construction.

Sindh Information Commission

During hearing of another case the same bench was informed by additional AG Jawad Dero that the provincial cabinet had approved the Sindh Information Commission (Conduct of...