Govt to challenge restoration of LG system
A conflict between the elected representatives and the government is expected to begin in Jhelum after the restoration of the local government system in Punjab by the Supreme Court (SC). The government officials have started consultation for filing a review petition, a spokesperson stated on Sunday.
Most of the elected representatives of local bodies belong to Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) and the release of development funds to them by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government could be problematic.
Since the system was folded, the ruling party was spending development funds across Punjab through its legislators.
Jhelum Municipal Corporation chairman said that the elected representatives remained suspended for almost two years. Therefore, they should be given an extension until November, 2023. He said that the elected representatives would not withdraw from their right to obtain development funds.
Notably, the status of Jhelum was changed to a municipal corporation after upgradation in the local government system in 2019. Under the old system, there were 36 wards in Jhelum. However, the areas of Eid Gah, Saeela, Chauntra, and Kharala were included in it after the upgradation.
As a result of this, the current status of Jhelum after the restoration of the old system has become a big question mark.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 29th, 2021.