'Unfunded' LG reps threaten to paralyse K-P

Deadline of January 1 issued to release dues

PESHAWAR:

Local government representatives protested in front of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Assembly over the non-disbursement of funds, resulting in the closure of Khyber Road.

The road's blockage caused a severe traffic jam, creating significant difficulties for citizens traveling on GT Road. The representatives issued a deadline of January 1 for their demands to be met, threatening to take to the streets again in January if funds are not released.

The protest began two days ago at Jinnah Park in Peshawar, where local representatives from various districts gathered. However, upon their arrival, park authorities locked the gates, prompting the representatives to demonstrate at the park's entrance.

Following intense slogans and protests, the administration eventually opened the gates, allowing the protesters to record their peaceful demonstration inside the park. Later, they marched to the K-P Assembly, holding banners and chanting slogans, demanding the immediate release of funds.

Due to the protest, heavy police contingents were deployed, and Khyber Road was entirely closed to traffic. Protesters stated they were there for a peaceful demonstration to demand their rightful funds. They criticised the administration for denying them the right to protest, calling it ironic that a government that once protested for rights at D-Chowk is now suppressing peaceful demonstrations.

Local Council Association Coordinator Intizar Khalil highlighted that over 29,000 local government representatives in the province are protesting due to a lack of funds.

He revealed that from 2021 to 2025, four fiscal years have passed, yet no funds have been allocated to local government representatives, despite the allocation of Rs. 120 billion in this period.

Village and neighborhood councils received only Rs6,000 over the last three years, which is insufficient for public projects.

Khalil demanded that the provincial government allocate 20% of the development funds to local governments, as per the Provincial Finance Commission's formula, and increase it to 30%.