Power and funds: Nazims end protest after K-P govt’s assurance

Minister for local govt vows to resolve grievances in 20 days

PESHAWAR: The Nazims and Councillors Ittehad decided to end their protest after the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government vowed to address their grievances within 20 days.

Representatives from the union had demanded the devolution of powers under the K-P Local Government Act 2013 to the grass-roots level and funds for development in their respective villages. The protest continued for three days outside the K-P Assembly. Nazims and councillors from different districts, including Bannu, Karak, Kohat, Lakki Marwat and DI Khan participated in the protest.

Assurance

In a bid to resolve the matter, protesters held a meeting with Minister for Local Government Inayatullah Khan, who assured them that their issues will be addressed within 20 days.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Nazims and Councillors Ittehad General Secretary Sanaullah said, “If the issues are not resolved within 20 days,
we will be compelled to resume protests.”

He warned that if the provincial government failed to address their grievances, they will have no option but to protest outside the residence of PTI chief Imran Khan in Bani Gala, Islamabad.

Sanaullah added, “The K-P government reduced the honoraria to Rs10, 000 for nazim and Rs7,000 for naib nazim.”

He said the local government minister promised that staff will also be hired with the consultation of the nazim, while monthly honoraria for nazims and naib nazims would be restored. The nazims would receive Rs20,000 every month and the naib nazim would receive Rs15,000.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 18^th,  2016.