Local govts termed nurseries of democracy

Former foreign minister Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri has said that local governments are nurseries of democracy, which are essential for the development and prosperity of the country.

Addressing the launching ceremony of analyst Salman Abid's book ‘A Case of Local Government’, organised by Punjab University Political Science Department on Thursday, he said the importance of the common people increased in the system of local governments and countries got leadership from the grassroots level.

He said the country had suffered due to lack of governance, while urbanisation lead to problems related to water, food, employment and security.

The former minister said development funds should be given to the elected representatives of local governments instead of the members of the provincial and National Assembly.

PU Vice Chancellor Dr Khalid Mehmood said was surprising that politicians expressed doubts about local governments.

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He said local governments must be established to democratise the mindset of the nation.

There should also be student unions in the universities so that good leadership can be found to run the country's system in a democratic way, he added.

He said the book covered every aspect of the local government system.

PILDAT Executive Director Ahmed Bilal Mahboob said the students had to start a movement to amend the Constitution regarding the mandatory establishment of local governments in the country. Writer Salman Abid said universities could play a dynamic role in promoting strengthening of the democratic system.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 17^th, 2023.