New LG system to end status quo: CM Buzdar

Says check and balance, transparency will be introduced in local govt institutions

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar on Saturday said the new local government system in the province would end status quo and reflect the public aspirations as it would resolve issues at people’s doorstep.

“Under the new local government system, public representatives will be empowered to solve local-level issues according to the desire of the citizens. New local government system is being introduced to resolve public problems at their doorsteps,” the CM said while presiding over a high-level meeting on Saturday.



Buzdar said according to vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan, a system of checks and balances would be introduced in local government institutions and transparency would be ensured at all costs. “The new local government system will be a governance system that will empower the people,” he added.

Punjab’s Senior Minister Aleem Khan and the secretary Local Government and Community Development Department gave the CM a detailed briefing on the proposed new local government system. Provincial ministers, senior officials and secretaries of departments concerned were also present at the meeting.

Earlier, on the day of Ashura on Friday the chief minister visited the central control room established at the Punjab Civil Secretariat as well as the head office of the Punjab Safe City Authority (PSCA) at Qurban Lines to examine the monitoring of Muharraum gatherings and processions.

Buzdar expressed satisfaction over arrangements made by the Punjab government as the best available technology was utilised to run a composite surveillance system. The security forces were fully active to thwart any untoward incident, and aerial surveillance was also done through helicopters.



He said that the police and the administration had fully implemented the security plan and remained alert till the peaceful end of the processions and majalis. He said action should be continued against those making provocative speeches as well as those involved in printing and publication of hate material.

Buzdar was told in a briefing that around 2,800 processions and 2,100 majalis were held on Friday in Punjab and 215,000 police officers and officials were deputed for their security.

Army and rangers troops were also called in to provide the necessary assistance. Along with them, 10,000 officers and jawans of army and 1,900 rangers were available to maintain peace. The Punjab government also acquired four helicopters, he was told.