Local bodies threaten province-wide protest

Demand release of funds after years of delay

PESHAWAR:

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Local Councils Association has once again urged the provincial government to fulfill its commitments regarding the release of funds to local governments, warning of a full-scale protest across the province if their demands are not met.

Despite the establishment of local governments in K-P over three years ago, the provincial government has failed to provide them with the necessary development and administrative funds, as well as decision-making powers, effectively stalling their operations.

Azizullah Khan Marwat, Chairman of Sarai Naurang Tehsil in Lakki Marwat and spokesperson for the Association, stated that local government representatives across K-P remain united under the leadership of President Himayatullah Mayar. He emphasized that every possible method will be used to pressure the government into releasing local government (LG) funds.

Marwat praised Mayar's leadership for actively steering the movement to empower local governments across various platforms. He called on the provincial government to honor its promises and immediately release development funds for tehsils throughout K-P, particularly for the 4,212 village and neighbourhood councils.

"There can be no development in the province without empowering local governments and equipping them with adequate resources," Marwat said, adding that in developed countries, robust local governance systems are the foundation of progress - a model sorely lacking in Pakistan, especially in K-P.

Shah Khalid, Tehsil Chairman of Landi Kotal and a member of the Association, expressed disappointment over the government's treatment of local governments, particularly in the newly merged districts. He noted that although local government elections were held for the first time in these districts, the elected representatives are still deprived of offices, resources, and funds even after three years.

He warned that if the provincial government fails to implement the decisions made during a meeting with the Chief Minister in February, local government representatives across the province will proceed with their plan to launch a large-scale protest and sit-in.

It is worth recalling that in May last year, village and neighbourhood council chairmen from across the province held a protest outside the K-P Assembly, demanding the release of withheld funds. Protestors accused the government of starving local governments of essential financial support for over two years, leaving them unable to address the everyday needs of their communities.

During that demonstration, protestors blocked Khyber Road, bringing vehicular traffic to a standstill and causing widespread inconvenience to the public. They chanted slogans against the government for its delaying tactics.

The chairmen also pointed out that, over the past two years, Nazims received an honorarium of just Rs40,000 - insufficient even to cover basic office expenses.

They recalled how a previous strike was called off after being invited to the Chief Minister's House for negotiations, but no practical steps were taken to address their concerns.

The representatives have now announced another sit-in outside the Chief Minister's House, demanding immediate disbursement of all outstanding dues and blocked funds, and urging the government to prioritize resolving the issues facing local bodies.