K-P local govts to protest fund crisis

Reps demand powers, financial support as Feb 17 demo looms

PESHAWAR:

Local government representatives in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa have announced a protest on February 17 in Peshawar against lack of funds and powers.

Despite repeated assurances, the local councilors have not received the necessary powers and financial support, leading to a wide range of problems.

The Local Councils Association held a meeting, where they decided to stage a protest in Peshawar on February 17 against the provincial government.

The Association's members, including Muhammad Rahim Jadoon, Coordinator Intizar Ali Khalil, and Spokesperson Azizullah Khan Marwat, visited various towns and met LG representatives to discuss the protest plan.

According to Muhammad Rahim Jadoon, they have been deprived of authority and funds for the past three years by the provincial government.

He mentioned that LGs play a crucial role in politics and are essential for democracy. They provide municipal and social services to the public more effectively. However, due to the provincial government's lack of interest, the local government system is weakening by the day.

The Local Councils Association will continue to raise a strong voice for public interest, Jadoon said, adding that mayors, tehsil and village council chairmen and members in K-P are facing severe difficulties due to the non-provision of authority and development funds.

The protest on February 17 in Peshawar will be the largest in the city's history, he warned.

It may be recalled that Local Councils Association has decided to hold an all parties conference in Peshawar on February 14 to develop consensus on problems faced by the local bodies due to lack of funds and administrative powers.

The provincial leadership of all parties including Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf will be invited and the problems of local governments will be presented to them and full cooperation will be requested.