MOST cooperative laws in Sindh, including the Cooperative Societies Act of 1925, the Sindh Housing Authority Ordinance of 1982, and the Sindh Cooperative Societies Act of 2020, emphasise accountability and proper procedures for dealing with mismanagement.

These laws grant authorities the power to investigate complaints, hold hearings, and, if necessary, take control of a society and appoint a representative to conduct elections.

The appointment of an administrator or managing committee has historically been the responsibility of some official body, not a single individual. This is a critical clause. However, the Sindh Cooperative Societies Act and Rules 2020 appear to grant the office of the registrar, Cooperative Societies Department, absolute powers in all these matters.

Besides, the role of the relevant provincial secretary in this regard is rather negative. The relevant authorities should actively resolve the issues that are being faced by cooperative housing societies in Sindh.

Waqar Ahmed Siddiqui
Karachi

Published in Dawn, July 14th, 2025