Expectations abound: ‘Hold LG polls within three months as promised’

Civil society members maintain local governance can address K-P’s woes.

PESHAWAR:

Members of various civil society organisations across the province on Saturday asked the government to hold local government elections within three months, as was promised before general elections.

Led by Sajid Manzoor of the Sungi Development Foundation, heads of various societies held a news conference at the Peshawar Press Club. They maintained problems facing the people, such as deteriorating law and order, could be solved amicably through local governance.

“The local government has been ordained in the Constitution and should be considered the third [tier] after the federal and provincial setup in terms of governance,” said Manzoor. He added proper representation of women and minorities should be ensured in the Local Government Ordinance.



On the other hand, Shabeena Ayaz from the Aurat Foundation urged the new government to enact laws for domestic workers. She said those who were working as domestic help be provided with legal status as well as social and job security. Ayaz also asked the government to improve the lives of labourers working in fields.

Members of the civil society expressed hope that the new administration would take steps to restore peace in the province, address growing unemployment, resolve the energy crises and restore what was previously an exemplary administrative system.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 9^th, 2013.