The Supreme Court on Tuesday threw out Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM-P) petition seeking empowerment and autonomy for local government institutions in Sindh, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
Delivering the verdict on his retirement day today, outgoing Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Gulzar Ahmed ruled that the Sindh government was bound to install powerful local body institutions.
The apex court earlier had reserved its verdict on the MQM-P’s petition against the Sindh Local Government Act (SLGA) on October 26, 2020.
Announcing the short order, the CJP said framing masterplans and their execution fall under the domain of the local governments. “The provincial government cannot initiate a project which falls under the local government’s control,” he maintained.
The apex court will release the detailed verdict soon.
A three-judge Supreme Court bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Gulzar Ahmed, heard the case.
MQM’s counsel, Salahuddin Ahmed Advocate, had earlier argued that Karachi’s building control, water supply, local transport and solid waste, among other local bodies, are under the control of the Sindh government. He had said that the local government had the sole responsibility for the maintenance of parks and libraries.
The counsel had maintained that civic amenities, including parks and playgrounds, fall under the responsibility of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation. He continued that however, KMC does not have authority over the whole of Karachi.
Reporter Amanat Gishkori