KARACHI, Feb 17: Speakers at a seminar on Thursday opposed replacement of Nazims with administrators before the forthcoming local bodies' elections and termed the proposal contrary to the Sindh Local Government Ordinance (SLGO) 2001.

The seminar - "Is Nazims' replacement really necessary before the elections" - was organized by Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) here on Thursday at its Vicky Zeitlin Media Library.

Speaking on the occasion, Adviser to Sindh chief minister on local government Waseem Akhtar conceded that the SLGO had no such section regarding removal of nazims before next local bodies polls, adding that the proposal regarding replacement of nazims with administrators was, in fact, floated by some national dailies.

He said the proposal drew the attention of authorities after some misappropriations were committed by nazims in violation of SLGO, as well as apprehensions that the Nazims might use their powers to rig next LG polls.

"We have only sent our suggestions to President Pervez Musharraf that there are lacunas in local government system. Similarly, we have sent complaints regarding embezzlement in financial affairs of the CDGK to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), National Reconstruction Bureau (NRB) and the federal government", he disclosed.

The Adviser said it was now up to President of Pakistan to decide on amendments to the SLGO so that replacement of nazims with administrators could be made possible.

Criticizing the CDGK, he said that the need for administrators was felt after the SLGO was not followed in letter and spirit and because of imbalances in expenses and recoveries.

"I am not in favour of administrators, but if the CDGK gives contracts to its favourite contractors without seeking city council's approval and leaving Rs4 billion liabilities for its successors in violation of SLGO-2001, then need arises for appointment of administrators", he added.

However, he admitted that development works of CDGK were visible, stressing that we should strengthen democracy at grassroots level by joining hands together leaving aside all political affiliations.

Al-Khidmat Group Leader in Karachi City Council and Senior Presiding Officer City Council Muslim Pervez strongly rejected the replacement of nazims with administrators, saying no clause of the SLGO allows such a proposal.

"Those demanding nazims replacement with administrators are not confident about their success in the coming local government elections democratically. They are not only enemies of Karachi but also of Sindh and Pakistan", he asserted.

He said administrators might be good in administration, but they would not have masses' support and could not solve problems of people on the pattern of genuine representatives.

Giving details of the CDGK's development works, he said nazims had worked a lot for progress of the city as new roads were constructed, parks were established and sewerage lines were laid. Besides peace was also restored to the city which had attracted foreign investment, for economic prosperity of the country, he added. -PPI