ISLAMABAD(National times)- There is no local government system in Pakistan; after the 18th Amendment, all powers rest with chief ministers, said Senior MQM Pakistan leader and Federal Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal here on Thursday. “After the 18th Amendment, all money goes to the provinces. There is no local government system in the country. After the 18th Amendment, all powers are vested in the chief ministers,” the MQM leader said in a statement. “The MQM had presented its draft during the 26th Amendment. We have given our draft to JUI (F). “Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also said that the MQM’s draft will be included in the 27th Amendment,” Mustafa Kamal said.

 MQM Pakistan backs 27th amendment, urges stronger local governments and legal clarity

Earlier, The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Pakistan has said there is no reason for surprise or concern over the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment, emphasising instead the need to strengthen and clarify local government laws. Speaking to the media alongside senior leaders, MQM Pakistan convener Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and Dr Farooq Sattar said that the 27th Amendment is focused on promoting good governance and better coordination among institutions. Siddiqui stated that the fruits of democracy must reach the people, adding that MQM had already contacted the prime minister over the amendment issue. He stressed that local governments should be recognized as legitimate constitutional entities, protected under the Constitution, and overseen by the Supreme Court. Empowering local bodies, he said, was the key to solving public problems.