JUST like we make choices in the performance of religious duties, we at individual, societal and governmental levels, obey the law as per our own convenience.

Despite the warning of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), sitting office-holders continue to visit constituencies. The election winners then resort to firing in the air in utter disregard of law. Violation of law by politicians, institutions and bureaucracy has become the order of the day.

The situation in Sindh is not too different. One of the most glaring examples is the amendment to the Sindh Local Government Act, 2013. The much trumpeted 18th Amendment was enacted in 2010. A newly inserted Article 140A (1) of this amendment requires each province to establish, by law, a local government system and devolve political, administrative and financial responsibility and authority to the elected representatives of the local government.

The provincial government in a bid to squeeze powers of the local government has been trying to bring health and educational institutions under its control. This is against the spirit of the 18th Amendment.

In yet another move, the Sindh government has decided to regularise encroachments in response to legal proceedings. Laws are made for enforcement and compliance, but the apparent approach in this case is to bypass the law. Instead of wasting time and energy on such things, the Sindh government may pay attention to the delivery of basic services to the people.

Amjad Iqbal
Karachi

Published in Dawn, January 28th, 2022