KARACHI: Sindh local bodies’ minister Syed Owais Muzaffar resigned from his office on Monday, citing ‘health and personal reasons,’ days before holding of the local bodies elections in the province in line with the Supreme Court orders, said an official.

“Mr Muzaffar visited the CM House today (Monday) and forwarded his resignation to Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah,” said the CM House spokesman. “He has mentioned personal and health problems as reasons behind the resignation. There is no decision yet from the chief minister regarding acceptance of the resignation.”

However, sources said the Sindh chief minister took no time to accept the resignation of Mr Muzaffar and asked Information Minister Sharjeel Memon to hold the charge of the local bodies’ ministry temporarily.

When asked to confirm about his fresh responsibilities, Mr Memon stayed silent, but said the resignation of Mr Muzaffar would not affect the preparation of local bodies’ elections, due by the end of the month under the Supreme Court orders.

“It will not affect anything,” Mr Memon told Dawn. “The provincial administration and all relevant institutions are working properly under the given plan to make local bodies’ elections a success. The resignation will not affect anyone’s functioning.”

Better known as Tappi, Mr Muzaffar is said to be a foster brother of PPP co-chairman and former president Asif Ali Zardari.

He had also stepped down as Sindh health minister almost a month ago.

There was no word from the PPP leadership about the sudden exit of Mr Muzaffar from the provincial cabinet where he was seen as the key man to look after the government affairs.