The Local Government Amendment bill 2010 was unanimously approved by the Sindh Assembly on Monday, a private TV reported. Speaking after the passage of the bill, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah said the unanimous approval was testimony to the unity among the people and parties of Sindh. Local bodies minister Agha Siraj Durrani said the roles played by President Asif Ali Zardari, Awami National Party (ANP) chief Asfandyar Wali Khan and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain were crucial in reaching consensus on the bill. The ANP congratulated the government on empowering local governments, saying this was the first time a democratic government would hold local government elections. Meanwhile, a Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) politician, Rafique Engineer, said the tabling of the bill was proof that the federal government was committed to the provincial. Sindhs Education Minister Pir Mazharul Haq also said that Sindh has shown more political maturity as all decisions were taken in consultation with the coalition partners. Local bodies elections will now be held after 120 days on party basis.