Friendly reminder: Imran Khan urged to transfer powers to LG

Swabi district nazim says Nov 1 protest will be peaceful.

SWABI: Swabi district nazim Ameerur Rehman has urged Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan to fulfil his promise of empowering of local government bodies.

According to a press statement issued on Friday, Rehman, who belongs to Awami National Party, said he has no intention of disgracing Imran or creating obstacles in through his demand.

The district nazim pointed out Imran had repeatedly vowed to transfer power to local government institutions. “However, powers have not been granted to elected representatives – including district and tehsil nazims and naib nazims,” he said. “Members of the Swabi Democratic Alliance and various local government representatives from across K-P are also pressing the PTI-led government to transfer powers to the grass-roots level.”

According to Rehman, the Swabi Democratic Alliance has decided to welcome the PTI chief with black flags during his visit to Swabi on November 1 to voice their reservation over the government’s failure to implement the K-P Local Government Act 2013.

“The protest will be conducted in a peaceful manner and we will show due respect to the PTI leader,” he said. “I strongly urge the PTI chairman to direct the provincial government, especially Chief Minister Pervez Khattak, to transfer powers and authorities to local government institutions.”

“PTI leaders must realise their responsibilities at this stage,” he said. “If they do not, elected representatives will have no option but to join forces and demand the transfer of powers.”

Published in The Express Tribune, October 24^th, 2015.