Punjab cabinet approves amendments to LG Act 2019

Mayors of different districts will be elected through direct voting

LAHORE: The Punjab cabinet has approved amendments to the Punjab Local Government Act 2019. Following approval by the provincial assembly, elections of neighbourhood and village councils will be held on a non-party basis, while citizens can elect the mayor of their districts through direct voting.

Punjab Information and Culture Minister Mian Aslam Iqbal briefed the media about the provincial cabinet’s decisions on Tuesday.

Addressing a news conference, the provincial minister said that following the new amendments, permission would be granted to participate in local bodies elections by forming any political party or election group.

“Minorities will be given the right to vote on reserved as well as general seats. The minorities’ overdue demand has been fulfilled by giving them right of a dual vote,” he highlighted.

He said results of elections would be announced by the returning officer. In case of complaints, the election tribunal would decide the matter in light of the Election Act.

Afghan peace talks in the wake of presidential vote

He disclosed that the Punjab cabinet has also granted approval for amendments to the Punjab Village Panchayat and Neighbourhood Council Act 2019. Similarly, permission was also granted for delimitation of local areas under the demarcation of Local Areas Rules 2019.

“As per the amended act,” he indicated, “455 local governments will be established for implementation on development schemes across Punjab.”

The provincial cabinet also approved making changes in Punjab Municipal Services Programme. Under this programme, the construction of roads, provision of drainage system schemes, education and health programmes will be completed across the province on which Rs24 billion will be spent, he added.

The provincial cabinet also approved heritage and urban regeneration programmes for the promotion of tourism in Lahore Fort and its buffer zones under which privacy rooms and other parts will be restored.

Under this programme, Akbari Gate would be opened and the new Fort Museum will be established. The Sikh gallery will also be renovated. Meanwhile, a French development agency would provide $25.8 million on a soft loan basis to implement this project.

Afghan chief executive slams president's 'wishlist' peace plan

Iqbal said the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government is bringing in such a local government system in which the problems of the masses will be resolved at their doorsteps. He assured local government institutions would be fully empowered.

He further said from 2002 to 2008, the mayor would hold the office of LDA Chairman, but former chief minister Shehbaz Sharif took charge of the post by simply making a single amendment. He said the jurisdiction then stretched up to Kasur, Nankana Sahib and Sangla Hill.

“Our government will delegate all powers and authority to the mayor and PTI will empower local government representatives in the true sense. During the previous tenures, the mayor used to perform his duties merely as a protocol officer, while the centre of power and authority was Shehbaz Sharif,” Iqbal continued.

Responding to a question, Iqbal said negotiations were ongoing between the government dialogue team and Rehbar committee and an important meeting was being held which would yield positive results.

The minister stressed there could be no discussion on the resignation of the prime minister as he came to power through public mandate. “The process of accountability will not halt and the money looted by people will return to the national exchequer at any cost,” he stressed.

The minister said approval has already been granted for the provision of loans to skilled youth and revival of the cottage industry in 36 districts.

“Pakistan is passing through a critical period and the PTI government has outlined a roadmap to overcome difficulties and economic problems. I guarantee that Prime Minister Imran Khan will not make properties through the tax money of Pakistani people. Neither will he indulge in money laundering and nor will he allow anyone else to do so,” the minister said. “Public money will be spent fairly and transparently on the welfare of the masses,” he said. He added it was the hallmark of the PTI government that it returned a debt amounting to Rs1.5 billion, along with interest, in one year.

“The PTI government will not let down the aspirations of the general public and will fulfil every promise made to the nation,” Mian Aslam Iqbal concluded.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 6^th, 2019.