Sindh Assembly passes Local Government Act 2026 Amendment Bill amid opposition protest

KARACHI: The Sindh Assembly on Monday passed the Sindh Local Government (LG) Act 2026 (Amendment) Bill amid loud sloganeering and protests by lawmakers belonging to all opposition parties.

The amendment bill introduces several significant changes to the Sindh Local Government Act, 2013, including a provision allowing outgoing mayors and chairmen to continue performing their functions as administrators after the expiry of their terms.

Sindh Law Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar sought permission to introduce the bill after presenting the report of a special committee constituted to examine the proposed amendments.

As the minister tabled the bill in the house, opposition lawmakers gathered in the aisles and raised slogans against the proposed changes to the local government law. The protest disrupted the assembly proceedings for several minutes.

All opposition parties in the Sindh Assembly had earlier jointly rejected the proposed amendments, describing them as “unconstitutional” and alleging that they were aimed at weakening elected local government institutions.

Under the amended law, local councils will be able to establish institutions independently or through public-private partnerships.

The amendment also requires the government to approach the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) 120 days before the expiry of a council’s term, requesting that fresh elections be held within that period.

A key provision states that after the expiry of a council’s term, the outgoing mayor or chairman will continue to exercise the powers and perform the functions of the council as an “Administrator” until the newly elected head assumes office.

The bill further empowers the government to assign the duties of a deputy mayor or vice-chairman to another council member if the officeholder is absent from Pakistan or is unable to perform their functions.

Reconciliation Forums proposed

The amendment bill also provides for the insertion of a new Chapter VII-A to establish “Reconciliation Forums” in every union council, union committee, town committee and municipal committee.

Each forum will comprise three conciliators nominated by the respective council from among local residents known for their integrity, sound judgment and respected standing.

The forums will be responsible for facilitating the amicable settlement of local disputes in accordance with prescribed procedures.

The conciliators will serve for the duration of the council’s term and may be removed on grounds including consistent partiality or malpractice.

New responsibilities for union councils

The bill also adds two new entries to Schedule IX of the local government law.

Under the amendments, union councils will be responsible for identifying issues related to solid waste management, building control violations and unauthorised constructions within their respective jurisdictions.

They will also share information about such issues with the relevant authorities for necessary action.