K-P seeks constitutional protection for LGs

Provincial assembly unanimously passes resolution moved by PPP parliamentary leader

PESHAWAR:

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution seeking constitutional protection for the local government (LG) system in the country. The resolution was presented on Wednesday during the assembly session by PPP parliamentary leader Ahmad Kundi.

It recommended the inclusion of a new constitutional chapter titled "Local Governments", along with holding LG elections within 90 days after the completion or dissolution of councils.

The resolution proposed amendments to Article 140-A of the Constitution, recommending full political, administrative, and financial autonomy for LGs.

It stated that although the 1973 Constitution obligates the provinces to establish LGs and devolve powers, the system has so far suffered from a lack of continuity, autonomy, and resources.

The resolution noted that several Supreme Court judgments have declared LGs an essential component of the state structure, but repeated dissolutions and unstable legislations have undermined their effectiveness.

It further emphasized that LGs worldwide enjoy constitutional protection and that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has also recommended amendments to Article 140-A to ensure timely elections and improved governance.

The resolution proposed defining the tenure and responsibilities of LGs clearly, making elections within 90 days constitutionally mandatory, convening the first meeting of newly elected councils within 21 days of election results.

It also proposed granting political, administrative, and financial autonomy, creating a LG service cadre, linking provincial finance commissions with the National Finance Commission, and ensuring that amendments to LG laws require a two-thirds majority to maintain stability.

It also recommended adding a separate constitutional chapter on LGs to grant them the same status as federal and provincial institutions, enabling them to function independently and serve the public effectively rather than remaining under provincial control.

Earlier, on October 31, the Punjab Assembly forwarded to the federal government a unanimously approved resolution seeking an amendment to Article 140-A of the Constitution for constitutional protection of LGs.

According to the resolution jointly moved by MPA Ahmad Iqbal Chaudhry of the PML-N and MPA Syed Ali Haider Gillani of the PPP, the provincial legislature had proposed that a new chapter titled "Local Governments" be added to the Constitution.

The proposed amendment recommends a clear constitutional definition of tenure, powers, and responsibilities of local governments.