KARACHI, Oct 2: Sindh Assembly Speaker Nisar Ahmed Khuhro said on Tuesday that the Sindh People's Local Government Bill 2012 was passed by the house by the book in a democratic manner.

“If any member had an objection to the bill, they would have raised his or her voice against it on floor of the House, which is the democratic and civilised way,” said Speaker Khuhro, during a press conference at his Sindh Assembly chamber.

The speakers said that members who made a hue and cry and objected to the bill in ‘undemocratic’ way actually facilitated the bill’s passage to be approved by the members of Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM).

Mr Khuhro said people who called him a traitor should look at themselves first. “They have a very bad political history when it comes to safeguarding the rights of Sindh,” he said. “Many people who are criticising the PPP for the LG system were an active part of Pervez Musharraf's local government system.”

He also asked why the MPAs who demanded that the new local government bill be presented in the assembly did not submit their objections to the Assembly Secretariat to bring about amendments to the bill after reaching consensus.

Talking about allotting separate seats in the Assembly to MPA of Pakistan Muslim League-Functional, Mr Khuhro said that provincial minister Jam Madad Ali, who submitted a joint application from the members seeking separate seats, was a member of the cabinet and cant sit in the opposition till he submits his resignation.

“We passed the bill after an eight-hour-long debate,” claimed the speaker. “Those who have objections to the bill should have brought amendments in writing to discuss in the House logically.” —APP