PPP slams govt for delaying LG polls

Party questions government's reluctance despite constitutional obligation

Listen to article

LAHORE:

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), a key ally of the government, strongly criticised the Punjab government for its failure to conduct local body elections, while a PML-N lawmaker urged the formation of a committee to address the pressing issues of underdeveloped areas.

On the second day of the pre-budget general discussion, the lack of interest among lawmakers was evident as only a handful of legislators from both the treasury and opposition benches were present to highlight issues affecting their constituencies.

Speaking to the media on the premises of the Punjab Assembly, PPP lawmaker Syed Ali Haider Gillani accused the provincial government of mismanagement and questioned its reluctance to hold local body elections despite constitutional provisions making them mandatory.

He asserted that local governments are the third pillar of democracy and essential for effective governance, adding that the PPP would continue pushing the PML-N to conduct these elections.

Meanwhile, during the session, PML-N legislator Sardar Abdul Aziz Khan highlighted the dire situation in underdeveloped areas, particularly in Rajanpur, where residents lack access to clean drinking water, education, healthcare, and job quotas. He called for the formation of a special committee to address the needs of these neglected regions.

In a separate discussion, Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) lawmaker Muhammad Shoaib Siddiqui proposed constructing a five-star hotel within the Gaddafi Stadium premises to accommodate visiting cricket teams and avoid traffic congestion. He pointed out that security arrangements often lead to road blockages, disrupting public life, even when no matches are scheduled.

Panel of Chairmen member Sami Ullah Khan endorsed the idea and suggested forwarding a request to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for consideration.

Following the completion of the session's agenda, the Panel of Chairmen adjourned the House until Friday at 10 AM. Speaking to the media outside the assembly, Opposition Leader Ahmad Khan Bhachar questioned Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's claim that no child would be left out of school.

He cited a survey revealing that 700,000 children in the province are still out of school, challenging the government to address the reality of the education crisis.