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Debate continues on Sindh Local Government amendment bill

Animated editorial illustration for: Debate continues on Sindh Local Government amendment bill
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At a glance

  • Sindh Assembly introduces amendments to the Local Government Act.
  • New proposals include a two-thirds majority for no-confidence motions.
  • The Metropolitan Commissioner would become the chief executive of the KMC.

Story so far

The Sindh Assembly is considering a controversial amendment bill for the provincial Local Government Act. A 12-member parliamentary committee has been formed to review the proposed changes and submit a report within one week. Key proposals include allowing serving mayors and chairpersons to continue as administrators after their terms expire if new elections are not held. The bill also seeks to empower deputy mayors as council conveners, requires a two-thirds majority for no-confidence motions, and establishes an accountability mechanism for elected officials. For Karachi, the Metropolitan Commissioner would become the KMC's chief executive. The legislation also aims to create local reconciliation forums to resolve community disputes.

Latest development

New details have emerged about the proposed Sindh Local Government (Amendment) Bill, including a requirement for a two-thirds majority for any no-confidence motion against a chairman. The bill also proposes making the Metropolitan Commissioner the chief executive of the KMC. During the same session, the assembly passed separate amendments to the Sindh Excise Act and the Provincial Motor Vehicles Ordinance.

Latest updates

New details proposed in the legislation include a requirement for a two-thirds majority to pass a no-confidence motion against a chairman or vice chairman. The bill also suggests an accountability mechanism for directly elected representatives and would make the Metropolitan Commissioner the chief executive of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC).

Furthermore, the bill outlines the composition of reconciliation forums at the local level, which would include the area's Station House Officer (SHO) who would be required to coordinate with the union council chairman.

During the same session on Wednesday, the assembly also passed the Sindh Excise (Amendment) Bill 2026 and an amendment to the Provincial Motor Vehicles Ordinance 1965. According to Excise Minister Mukesh Kumar Chawla, the motor vehicle amendment will benefit car dealers by extending the grace period for vehicle registration at showrooms to six months before a fine is imposed.

During a session of the Sindh Assembly on Wednesday, Opposition Leader Ali Khurshidi apologised for remarks he had made about women members of the provincial assembly. The apology came after Pakistan Peoples Party MPA Sadia Javed raised the issue on a call-attention notice, condemning comments made by the opposition leader a day earlier.

MPA Samita Afzal also described the remarks as "regrettable" and called for an apology. In his response, Mr. Khurshidi stated that all women in the house were like his sisters and that there was no issue with a brother apologising to his sisters.

The amendment bill for the Sindh Local Government Act has been presented in the provincial assembly, sparking a heated debate between government and opposition members, according to reports from September 9.

A 12-member committee has been formed to review the Sindh Local Government Act, according to available reports. The formation of the committee follows the introduction of an amendment bill in the provincial assembly aimed at changing the functioning of local councils.

The Sindh Local Government Amendment Bill 2026 has been introduced in the provincial assembly.

Sources and updates

Business Recorder

12-member panel to examine bill: Sindh PA introduces LG (Amend) Bill

KARACHI: The Sindh Assembly on Wednesday introduced the Sindh Local Government (Amendment) Bill 2026 and formed a 12-member parliamentary committee to examine it and submit its report in the house within a week. The house also approved amendments to

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