'Handicapped system': Karachi mayor will be powerless, says MQM
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KARACHI: Days after a resounding victory in the local body polls, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), who is yet to announce a name for the position, said the mayor of Karachi will have no power.
Speaking to media in Azizabad's Lal Qila ground, MQM leader Haider Abbas Rizvi said the country's largest city, Karachi, has been given an almost 'handicapped' local bodies system, rendering the mayor of a mega city 'powerless'.
He was of the view that the The Sindh Local Government Act 2013 leaves Karachi's mayor so weak that he cannot even order a cleanliness drive in the city.
"The city mayor will have to wait for a minister for the local bodies' approval to issue salaries to his subordinates," said the MQM leader.
Related: Flaws in Sindh LG law highlighted
he MQM leader said the people of Karachi reject this system as they do not want their mayor to be a 'beggar', adding that his party will take all theconstitutional and legal steps to ensure that the mayor gets his due powers.
"We expect all the other parties who claim to represent Karachi to support our efforts in this regard,"said Rizvi.
Waseem Akhtar, Incharge of MQM's Central Executive Committee said that Supreme Court should take suo motu notice on this issue.
"If the SC can force the government to hold local body polls, it can also arrange for the mayor to get his due powers," said Akhtar.
Rizvi earlier thanked all who congratulated his party on the electoral win and vowed to serve the people of Karachi with renewed vigour and dedication.
He said the people of Karachi have trusted MQM with a 'heavy responsibility' by voting for party candidates in the recently concluded local body polls in Karachi.
MQM clinched 135 seats in the election for six Karachi districts, trouncing the electoral alliance of the Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), both of whom bagged 11 and seven seats respectively. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) emerged the runner up in Karachi, securing 32 seats, according to unofficial results.
There are a total of 51 UCs in Karachi’s Central district; 46 in West; 37 in Korangi; 31 each in East and South and 13 in Malir district.
The party is poised to clinch the office of Karachi mayor, with the names of Wasim Akhtar, Arshad Hasan, Arshad Vohra and Arif Khan being floated as possible contenders.
In addition to the mayor and deputy mayor, the MQM is also set to grab the posts of chairmen of the district municipal corporations of four of the six districts.
Last year, provincial lawmaker Heer Soho at an event had said the LG system is flawed: “The biggest problem we face time and again is that even the sanitary system is looked over by the chief minister. Whether it is police, education, or health, the power to make decisions on these must be with the local government.”
Also Read: MQM gets mandate to control Karachi
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Comments (71) Closed
Dec 08, 2015 08:36pm
Not fan of any political party in Pakistan but if people have picked MQM to run Karachi then they should be give chance to do so, that's what democracy is all about.
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Dec 08, 2015 08:40pm
well said
Only Separate province is a solution. Five domicile is already a part of constitution.
Karachi is a huge city and sindh givt which always ruled by interior sindh leaders are failed to provide security and peace to city of Karachi. We want people of Karachi to rule karachi.
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Dec 08, 2015 08:41pm
PPP has no political stakes in Karachi. So embezzle as much funds of local government as possible is their policy. They will die but not let MQM use funds to serve people.
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Dec 08, 2015 08:43pm
... ... but he does have powerful friends.
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Dec 08, 2015 08:46pm
The only way of progress in karachi is 'declare karachi a province'. People of karachi have to get rid of cruel sindh govt by hook or by crook. I'm a PTI supporter and i request Imran Khan to come forward and start movement against cruel sindh govt. Forget about interior sindh they will never vote for you but you can win in urban areas of sindh if you help them to solve their basic issues.
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Dec 08, 2015 08:49pm
Rizvi sahib and all MQM members. Now that you have the Mayor seat, don't make such statements as they are taken negatively. An excuse even before office is taken, doesn't go down well in the people.
Please don't contest if you can't do anything, go out for a revolution then.
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Dec 08, 2015 08:57pm
What is the point in complaining now. You have implicitly accepted the rules by contesting the election under the same rules. Now when the time has come to change people's lives and solve their problems, you have taken the easy way out to blame the rule and everyone else.
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Dec 08, 2015 09:03pm
We all know what you did with Mustafa Kammal , stop giving excuses
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Dec 08, 2015 09:04pm
As far as I remember MQM themselves has approved the Sindh Local Bodies Act 2013 in the assembly.
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Dec 08, 2015 09:07pm
In power for about 30 years.... and yet they cry...
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Dec 08, 2015 09:09pm
The problem here is with the integrity of these MQM leaders and therefore, whatever they say will not be taken seriously. Pakistan does need more provinces for better manageability. Even India has done it a few times but the problem is that the current political elite will not allow this to happen.
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Dec 08, 2015 09:12pm
@Syed Mustafa Hussain I'm afraid Ik is against division of Sindh. Remember his Larkana address?
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Dec 08, 2015 09:15pm
We know very well, Sindh govt. has absolutely no interest in development work. Fundamentally they are rural group of people, even CM Sindh and most of their ministers have no vote in Karachi. Seven years of PPP ZERO work for Mega city and Hyderabad is itself a open truth. Karachi has become GARBAGE dumping ground plus no water, no sewage system. I hope central government and Army may help to resolve this issue as priority. But again CM Sindh delaying tactics for Rangers extension creating alarming situation, when army chief himself present in the meeting.
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Dec 08, 2015 09:17pm
MQM: Karachittes have put trust in you. Give your best and keep struggling to improve the system.
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Dec 08, 2015 09:18pm
As I said it before, don't get your hopes too high as nothing will change. You voted for the status quo and what you got is status quo.
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Dec 08, 2015 09:26pm
We have a sham democracy. Local body elections are a farce because all power resides at the MPA or MNA level. Until we empower the local bodies, democracy shall have no roots.
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Dec 08, 2015 09:26pm
One can't expect any betterment within present deplecated system; the people of Karachi 're suffering for neglegence, incompetence and misgoverence.
Its turning point now to jump start a collective movement to free this mega city from the colonial mind set of devide and rule. Make this beautiful city an autonomous entity.
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Dec 08, 2015 09:29pm
Now the time is to begin with struggle for restoring the system that was demolished by the people of interior sindh to keep their hegemony. If they do not accept and give the legitimate due rights in democratic manner (which i doubt) then movement for a separate province must be initiated.
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Dec 08, 2015 09:34pm
@Pakistani democrat He is against karachi province because he wants to win in sindh but soon he will realize that there is no ground for PTI in interior sindh. Local bodies in karachi are wake up call for PTI and they must realize that if they want to win in karachi then they have to own karachi and have to raise voice against the cruelty of outsiders with karachiites. MQM can better serve us on grounds but i believe people should give PTI a chance at federal level.
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Dec 08, 2015 09:35pm
The hard truth ! But MQM should fight for the rights and I think all parties other than PPP would support them. MQM should try to make alliances with all anti PPP forces since PPP has cheated again and again . Nehal Hashmi and Salerm Zia should come out and devise a plan to work with MQM. This would bring federal funds to Urban Sindh and smooth relations among Muhajirs and others.
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Dec 08, 2015 09:37pm
@syed People come and go , only policy and philosophy stay. MQM has dozens of Mustafa Kamal. Waseem Akhter was the best and able Interior Minister in the history of Sindh!
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Dec 08, 2015 09:39pm
I can start cleaning my street along with my young children. Just tell me when, provided the other do the same. After we have cleaned our city we can go to QaimSaheb & raise hell for our share of money. Mr. Mayor ( who ever ) I am ready.
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Dec 08, 2015 09:50pm
You should have said it before taking the vote from public...
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Dec 08, 2015 09:51pm
MQM have got the chance now to clear Karachi from criminals to prove their reputation.
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Dec 08, 2015 10:06pm
Haider Bhai is right,but this time you must prove that MQM is different from other political parties viz PPP and PML(N) and not indulge in corruptions,it's leaders do not have properties in Dubai or London. And under no circumstances do alliance with any other party,than only you have bright future,otherwise in general election you will see your true face.
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Dec 08, 2015 10:17pm
There will be no progress in Karachi unless MQM stops its strategy of complaining, crying foul, blackmailing and blaming. Didn't they know the powers of local bodies? Why did they participate in election ? If they really want to work for the betterment of Karachiites, no one is going to stop them. Where there's a will, there's a way.
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Dec 08, 2015 10:36pm
MQM should approach SC for full implementation of Article 104A of the constitution.
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Dec 08, 2015 10:39pm
Best Wishes to you! I hope MQM will not wait for ministerial approval to pickup the trash from roads and parks of Karachi. I also sincerely hope that MQM will take notice of garbage being dumped in "Roshan-Aara" park of North Nazimabad block 'L'. I was there just last month and was surprised to see that despite public outcry trucks after tucks of trash were being dumped in the park and foul smell was making lives miserable.
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Dec 08, 2015 10:41pm
@Muhammad
Only PTI complain and demanding for the election, power, marriage. MQM is demanding for the people.
We luv MQM
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Dec 08, 2015 10:47pm
Its a complex situation now for MQM. Rest of the political parties will get immense benefit in next general election, if federal and provincial govt would not release required funds and relevant authority, showing Mayor's inability to perform. To counter this MQM would demand notion of separate province which will make sense among people of Karachi. This depravity would get them re-elected. In other case, if funds are released and MQM performs, it would still be re-elected. So any party who is serious in Karachi matters should favour in giving MQM the required tools with appropriate accountability and hope for their non-performance and then dream for your success.
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Dec 08, 2015 10:52pm
well, we are all MQM voters who have elected MQM in Karachi, Hyderabad and Mirpurkhas, and we expect MQM to fight it out and also make some difference, prove that a mayor can also bring some change however little that is, if we see a change we will stand behind MQM to demand big power for the mayor, you will get our support
regards
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Dec 08, 2015 10:52pm
@haris .If this s true,than MQM itself must ask for revival of Mayor powers,otherwise they will only be brooming the Karachi streets.
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Dec 08, 2015 11:21pm
Karachi Province is imminent. No way out except to declare new province mainly Karachi, Hyderabad, Mirpur khass and few close cities.
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Dec 08, 2015 11:21pm
@haris
Improve your knowledge. MQM had boycotted the session.
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Dec 08, 2015 11:22pm
It is very unfortunate how the political will for the people of Karachi continued to be crushed.
Is this not what democracy is all about?
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Dec 08, 2015 11:27pm
The Mayor of the Karachi should enjoy same powers and authority, as given to the Mayors of other provincial cities, such as Lahore, Peshawar and Quetta. The Mayor should be a subordinate to the Government of Sindh and exercise functions such as, roads, water supply, sanitation, drainage and sewerage network, traffic and transports. All other subjects such as education, police, revenue and taxation, land reforms and etc. must be vested with the Government of Sindh.
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Dec 08, 2015 11:27pm
MQM must learn and go for a seperate province.
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Dec 08, 2015 11:32pm
@Taha This is not an excuse! Local Bodies Election conducted in Punjab and Sindh including Karachi do not warrant financial powers to anyone, Mayor will just be doing the postman work. And we all knew that!! And if you were unaware, then bro make a habit of doing a research first and then the comment. Thanks
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Dec 08, 2015 11:32pm
So what are you going to do?. What have you done in the last twenty years to get rights for people who vote for you. Did you get Qouta system abolished. Did you get equal representation in jobs?. All you did was join the PP government and collected money.
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Dec 08, 2015 11:39pm
Didn't you all know the mayors will be powerless? If so why cry now
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Dec 08, 2015 11:53pm
This is the worst kind of democracy. People voted without knowing that who would be their Mayor. Now the party would "select" the Mayor. Looks like Mayor would be more answerable to party than people.
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Dec 08, 2015 11:57pm
But the good news is that there would be little difference, if any, between the power of the mayor of Karachi and the power of the Primi Minister of Pakistan.
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Dec 08, 2015 11:58pm
@syed Don't leave the comment when you don't know the history. The local body system under which Mustafa Kamal was working introduced by President Musharraf which expired when Mustafa Kamal left the office. PPP didn't extend the local body system and wanted to grab all resources of Karachi under one minister rule. MQM agitated at that time and is agitating until now. So called nationalist parties also joined PPP in the favor of not to revive the local body system which was proven excellent during the Musharraf/Mustafa Kamal ruling time.
At present only one Commissioner of Karachi is looking after all the affairs of this mega city which does not make any sense. PPP govt approved some laws just before local body elections to curtail all of the privileges from the city mayor knowing that city mayor will be from MQM. A new province for the Sind urban is the only solution.
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Dec 09, 2015 12:00am
even if he's telling the truth it sounds like he's lying..
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Dec 09, 2015 12:02am
@haris you are wrong it was PTI, PPP & Jamaat who approved it
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Dec 09, 2015 12:19am
So they are not even going to arrange for cleaning.... That's all he is good for.
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Dec 09, 2015 12:24am
If PPP is not willing to give power to new mayor in Karachi, then there is only one option left and take the power by force, people who voted must come out on the street to protest against Sind government.
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Dec 09, 2015 12:33am
no doubt,former mayor of khi from mqm built this city for future but need more investment in the city.
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Dec 09, 2015 12:44am
@ali .. Dude they have been raising this concern for last 8 years but ignorant people like you have no interest in listening to people's real problems.
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Dec 09, 2015 01:02am
MQM's obsession seems to obtain rangers and police under their control, which will bring Karachi operation back to square one.
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Dec 09, 2015 01:05am
@SDHN There's an online petition of Change.org website for exactly that. You should sign it.
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Dec 09, 2015 01:05am
@Syed Mustafa Hussain There's an online petition on Change.org for exactly that. You should sign it.
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Dec 09, 2015 01:11am
hmmm, so you want to control Police so that your thugs and you can continue to blackmail the state. MQM should realize that it represents 55% of the city's population and that does not mean that they can have control over everything.
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Dec 09, 2015 01:37am
MQM has chosen to run the elections and now has to deliver.No excuses please.
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Dec 09, 2015 01:38am
Honest opinion: I know ppp will do everything in their power to make sure MQM doesn't perform in Karachi, but the ball is in MQM's court and they will have to play smart. MQM will have to perform no matter what and if they face hurdles from ppp then they will have to speak up and let everyone know.
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Dec 09, 2015 01:45am
Why did you contest the elections then? You should have brought a bill in the national assembly asking for more powers for local bodies.
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Dec 09, 2015 01:46am
"'Handicapped system': Karachi mayor will be powerless, says MQM"
So what? He doesn't have to do anything but enjoy the salary, LOL. I'll take that kinda job anytime.
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Dec 09, 2015 01:59am
@Taha We are ready for that revolution dear
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Dec 09, 2015 02:00am
@AXH Have you a wide eye then see India, only last year it again made a separate province. do say what you know
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Dec 09, 2015 02:01am
@Walayat Malik : Yes Mr. malik. You are absolutely correct.Since SC was very much interested to have the LG polls conducted by the Provincial Govts., the apex court will definitely assist MQM to get their basic right.
Otherwise, the whole exercise of conducting LG polls will become meaningless.
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Dec 09, 2015 02:13am
I am not sure what the point is?. If electoral victory means that the highest post you will get in Karachi is "without any powers", then why take part in elections?. What are the celebrations for?. I am puzzled.
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Dec 09, 2015 03:03am
ha ha ha ha. Cleanliness is not being done by rangers. Dont worry.
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Dec 09, 2015 03:30am
already started crying before he even started! MQM is full of useless cartoon characters. the only person who deserves an apploaud was Mustafa Kamal.
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Dec 09, 2015 03:59am
no one says what powers still lie in mayor's hand.
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Dec 09, 2015 04:32am
Power hungry people arent't we....
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Dec 09, 2015 04:38am
@Syed Raza. Do you mean to say MQM should have raised their concerns about
this ( handicapped system) system prior
to the LG polls ? In that case they would
not have allowed MQM to take part in the elections.
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Dec 09, 2015 05:08am
Loot Mar and Bathaa Khori will start again.
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Dec 09, 2015 05:11am
Yes MQM is correct that legislation was done to make local body powerless but MQM can consider this Local Body election as referendum for separate province consisting of Urban Areas. People of Karachi must be recognized for being financial pillar of the entire nation since Pakistan was created.
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Dec 09, 2015 06:34am
divide karachi, four mayors , more jobs, competition ofs many which area is best managed under budget per head. you people have t think out of box
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Dec 09, 2015 09:44am
MQM already knew the system is handicapped if it is so bad why they fought for mlMayor ship
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Dec 10, 2015 07:14am
People think that PPP is a secular party of the poor. Maybe so in Punjab but in Sindh it is an Ethnic party of people from interior Sindh. That is why it appoints interior sinned people in all jobs. facts are before you guys. I don't have to convince anybody.
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