The Sindh government introduced the Local Bodies Amendment Bill 2026 in the Sindh Assembly, proposing changes to the existing Local Government Act 2013, including provisions allowing mayor, deputy mayor and chairmen to continue serving as administrators after the expiry of their elected terms.
Follow Times of Karachi on Google News and add as a preferred Source on Google
Sindh Law Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar presented the bill in the provincial assembly.
A 12-member special committee has been constituted to examine the proposed legislation and submit its report within one week.
Mayor and Chairmen to Continue as Administrators
Under the proposed amendments, mayor, deputy mayor and chairmen would continue performing their duties as administrators after completing their respective terms if local government elections have not been held.
The draft bill proposes that the process for local government elections should begin 120 days before the completion of a council’s term.
The legislation also proposes giving deputy mayor and vice chairmen the role of conveners of their respective councils, allowing them to preside over council meetings.
Two-Thirds Majority for No-Confidence Motion
The proposed amendments would require a two-thirds majority to pass a no-confidence motion against a chairman or vice chairman.
The bill also seeks to introduce a clearer accountability mechanism for directly elected local government representatives.
Commissioner Proposed as KMC Chief Executive
Another major proposed amendment concerns the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC).
Under the bill, the Commissioner would serve as the chief executive of the KMC, marking a proposed change to the corporation’s administrative structure.
Reconciliation Forums Proposed
The bill also proposes establishing reconciliation forums at the union, municipal and town levels to resolve community disputes through mutual settlement.
Local police would also be linked to the proposed reconciliation mechanism. The draft provides that the relevant Station House Officer (SHO) would coordinate with the concerned Union Council chairman, with both officials playing a role in resolving disputes.
The Local Bodies Amendment Bill 2026 will now be reviewed by the 12-member special committee, which has been tasked with submitting its recommendations to the Sindh Assembly within one week.
