HYDERABAD, July 10: The Sindh government's decision to restore commissionerate system and status of old districts has evoked a mixed response from stakeholders, including political and nationalist parties.

While PPP has staged rallies in different parts of the province to celebrate revival of districts, the Hyderabad chapter of Jamat-i-Islami has opposed it vehemently.

In Hyderabad, a PPP rally was led by Sindh Minister and Hyderabad district president Zahid Ali Bhurgari, MNA Shagufta Jumani and others which terminated at local press club.

While addressing the rally, Mr Bhurghari said that Sindh government has taken the decision in line with people's aspirations. He said that the decision would go a long way to resolve administrative issues. He sought people's support for implementation of the decision.

JI Hyderabad Ameer Sheikh Shaukat Ali and general secretary Dr Fawad Ahmed have strongly rejected the decision of restoring commissionerate system and old Hyderabad district.

They said that the local bodies system in question had delivered the goods.

“With repeal of this system the bureaucracy will enslave people and old Hyderabad district restoration will multiply problems of people. It will also lead to injudicious distribution of resources to create sense of deprivation among people”, they said.

PML-N leader Pir Asadullah Jan Sarhandi opposed revival of the status of old Hyderabad but backed restoration of commissionerate system.

Noor Hassan Khokhar of Tando Mohammad Khan Shehri Ittehad has given a strike call for Tuesday against government's decision. He demanded its withdrawal and vowed to launch a struggle if it was the decision was not reversed.

Sindh Tarraqi Passand Party has hailed both the decisions, saying though it is belated one. It, however, called for retaining status of Qambar-Shahdadkot, Umerkot and Jamshoro in present shape as these are helpful for people administratively, warning that STP would oppose any decision if their old status is restored.

The government should discharge its responsibility of holding local bodies' polls. It won't benefit people if they remain dependent on bureaucrats,” said STP president Dr Qadir Magsi in a statement.

Chairman Hyderabad Action Committee Ashraf Noonari has welcomed restoration of old Hyderabad district. He said that government has, for the first time, come up to expectation of people.

Jaffaria Alliance Pakistan Hyderabad, chapter, has opposed the decision saying that development that was seen in last ten years had no parallel in the country's history.

Meanwhile, activists of PPP, Jeay Sindh Mahaz, PML-F and other social organisations took out rallies in Shikarpur, Garhi Yasin and other adjoining towns to express their happiness over restoration of commissionerate system and repeal of Police Order 2002.

In Mirpurkhas, PPP and its sister wings took out rallies from post office roundabout to press club to celebrate restoration of old status of districts.

Similar rallies were staged in Larkana, Dadu and Mehar towns also.