The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has invited Local Councils Association (LCA) for talks after the association announced a large-scale protest schedule against the non-provision of funds and powers to the local governments.
According to LCA Spokesperson Azizullah Marwat and LCA Coordinator Intizar Ali Khalil, local council representatives will protest in Peshawar on February 17, but a final decision will be made only after talks with the provincial government.
According to Intizar Ali Khalil, local council representatives are democratic people and will always adopt democratic way to resolve issues.
However, the provincial government makes promises but does not fulfill them, he lamented, adding that the problems of local governments in K-P are increasing by the day.
LCA President Himayatullah has accepted the provincial government's invitation for talks and the negotiations will be held on Saturday (today).
He said that a committee consisting of LCA members has been formed for talks with the government.
The committee will hold talks with Local Government Minister Arshad Ayub Khan and senior officials of Local Government Department.
According to Intezar Khalil, all preparations for February 17 Peshawar protest have been completed.
He said that thousands of LG representatives are ready to participate in the Peshawar protest. However, the final decision will be made after the LCA meets with the local government minister.
Background
LG representatives have announced a protest on February 17 in Peshawar against lack of funds and powers.
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.
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.
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