KARACHI, Jan 28: Terming the development work done by the City District Government Karachi under Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal exemplary for all of Pakistan, Punjab Governor Salman Taseer said the local bodies system, which is “the foundation of any democratic dispensation”, cannot be eliminated, though there is always room for improvement.

The Punjab governor, who was all praise for the city nazim, was speaking to the media after a whirlwind tour of the city on Wednesday.

Mr Taseer’s remarks came amid rising divergent views between the PPP and MQM – coalition partners in Sindh and the centre – over the future of the local bodies system.

The Punjab governor’s high profile visit was made at the invitation of City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal, amid speculation that he may be elevated to the top government post in Sindh, while Mr Taseer may be made chairman of the Senate.

Replying to a question, Mr Taseer said that the PPP had a clear point of view with regard to the local bodies system, as this system is the foundation of democracy and politics. He ruled out the elimination of the system.

Mr Taseer was delighted to see the development of a progressive, democratic society and the exemplary development work that is ongoing in Karachi. He congratulated the leadership of Karachi, especially the city nazim and Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain.

Shortly after his arrival in the city, the Punjab governor held talks with his counterpart Dr Ishratul Ibad on the prevailing situation in the country and other issues concerning the coalition partners.

The two governors were of the view that such visits will further strengthen national cohesion and inter-provincial harmony. They emphasised that increased cooperation between provinces was necessary in order to banish extremism and terrorism. They felt that the exchange of information and experiences would yield better results. Mr Taseer, accompanied by Governor Ishratul Ibad, also visited the Civic Centre. There, he was greeted by the city nazim and was given a presentation on the reconstruction and development of Karachi. A documentary was also shown.

Thereafter, Mr Taseer visited the CDGK’s command and control centre, and watched video feeds from the city government’s cameras across the city. He also visited the Citizen Complaint and Information Centre (1339). Mr Taseer said that Karachians would benefit greatly from this system, and lauded Mr Kamal’s efforts in this regard.

Later, the Punjab governor was taken on a visit to various development projects.