KARACHI: The Sindh government has initiated work on legislation that would allow mayors to remain in office after the expiry of their four-year local government tenure until fresh local elections are held.
Under the proposed changes, administrators would not be appointed once the terms of existing local government bodies come to an end. Instead, mayors of Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Mirpurkhas, Shaheed Benazirabad and Larkana would continue performing their functions until new local representatives are elected.
The Sindh cabinet has constituted a commission to examine the proposal and prepare the legal framework and recommendations for the legislation. The proposed bill will subsequently be presented for approval.
At present, the law requires mayors to leave office after completing their four-year term. The proposed amendment would change this arrangement by allowing them to remain in charge during the period leading up to the next local government elections.
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, who assumed office on June 15, 2023, is scheduled to complete his current four-year tenure in June 2027.
Changes to local government structure proposed
The proposed legislation also includes changes to the existing local government setup. Under the plan, local town councils would be dissolved after completing their four-year terms.
The Sindh government is also considering restructuring Karachi’s multi-tier governance system, with recommendations being prepared to streamline the existing administrative framework.
Another proposal under consideration is to expand the authority and responsibilities of deputy mayors and vice chairpersons to give them a greater role in local administration.
The cabinet-appointed commission will finalise its recommendations before the proposed legislation is formally placed before the relevant authorities for consideration.
