August 22, 2008	Friday	Sha'aban 19, 1429

KARACHI, Aug 21: The Sindh assembly which meets in a special session on Friday morning is likely to take political circles by surprises as the agenda for the session contains no item reflecting the urgency of a special sitting.

Leader of the opposition in the house Jam Madad Ali is of the view that the treasury benches may bring some “special business” by moving motions under Rule 211 for immediate consideration, as was witnessed in the case of the resolution presented in the previous session against Gen Pervez Musharraf.

It is believed that special session may discuss, and possibly endorse, nomination of PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari as the presidential contender from the party.

Though another resolution, the house may recommend to the federal government repeal of the local government system, introduced under the LG Ordinance 2001. PPP leaders on different occasions have been expressing their reservations about the devolution system, observing that it had failed to deliver owing to its structural defects and institutional weaknesses.

Another important issue which is likely to be taken up for immediate consideration is the proposed revival of “magistracy system” that had been scrapped when the Police Order 2002 was introduced a few years back.

The PPP parliamentary party, which was scheduled to meet at 8am on Friday, assembled on Thursday at 6 pm and deliberated upon the business to be taken up in the special session, besides formulating the party’s strategy in this regard. However, it is learnt that the members will meet again on Friday morning in the chief minister’s chamber before commencement of the proceedings.

It is also learnt that the PPP leadership has taken into confidence its major coalition partner, the MQM, which strongly advocates the local government system. Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah met Governor Ishratul Ibad on Wednesday night and it is believed that the proposed resolutions were discussed in the meeting.