Participants of the protest, organised by Pattan Development Organization and Awami Rabita Group (CRG), demanded the government to control the hegemony of the CDA. PHOTO: ZAFAR ASLAM/EXPRESS
Members of civil society protested outside the National Press Club on Tuesday and called for necessary legislation and election of local bodies in the capital.
Participants of the protest, organised by Pattan Development Organization and Awami Rabita Group (CRG), demanded the government to control the hegemony of the Capital Development Authority (CDA)
The participants were chanting slogans for the swift implementation of Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Local Government Act 2013 without any ‘ill-will’.
“The act should be implemented in its true letter and spirit, unlike what has happened in Punjab and Sindh, where the rights of women and peasants have been withheld by their governments,” said human rights activist Farzana Bari.
The participants demanded 33 per cent representation of women in the local government system. “The elections should be on a party basis and bring CDA under a government body to curb its corruption and malpractices,” said a member of the protest.
They were holding placards stating ‘No dictatorship in the name of democracy’.
Bari was of the view that if the amendment to the act and its implementation is not reflective of their demands, the law will reflect the 1979 local bodies government system.
She said they are lobbying with parliamentarians for an amicable and healthy debate over the issue to ensure a truly democratic Pakistan.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 28th, 2013.
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