PESHAWAR
Speakers at a orientation session here on Monday emphasizing the critical need for strong and empowered local governments system in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to resolve the problems of people at their doorsteps.
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) conducted a one-day orientation session for heads of local government representatives under the KP LG Act 2013.
The session focused on clarifying their roles and responsibilities while addressing challenges amid the current political and economic turmoil.
Notable attendees, including Deputy Speaker Suriya Bibi and former LG Secretary Hifz ur Rehman, advocated for the timely release of funds to empower representatives in effectively serving their communities and fostering development.
The session has been conducted with the support of Friedrich Naumann Foundation.
Ms. Moonus Kayinat Zahra, Project Manager at CPDI, emphasized that strong local governments are fundamental to democracy. Despite constitutional provisions, local governments in Pakistan face numerous challenges, including over-centralization, inadequate funding, and limited citizen participation.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while the Local Government Act promotes citizen involvement, greater financial autonomy is essential for effectiveness.
Immediate release of funds by the KP LG Government is crucial for local representatives to serve their communities.
Additionally, she advocated for inclusive local governance that amplifies the voices of women and marginalized groups.
Ms. Suriya Bibi, Deputy Speaker of the KP Provincial Assembly, delivered opening remarks emphasizing the critical need for strong and empowered local governments.
She highlighted the pressing issue of delayed fund releases for local government representatives, which exacerbates financial crises and hinders their effectiveness.
Ms. Bibi reaffirmed the commitment of the Provincial Minister for Local Government, Elections, and Rural Development, the chief minister, to strengthen the local government system and ensure timely fund disbursement.
She also advocated for inclusive governance that amplifies the voices of women and marginalized communities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Dr. Taj Muharram, a senior academician, provided an insightful overview of the historical evolution and legislative framework of local governance in Pakistan.
He focused on the development of the local government system, emphasizing its constitutional and legal foundations.
The session aimed to clarify key concepts for elected representatives, enhancing their understanding from a political science perspective and equipping them to navigate the complexities of local governance effectively.
Hifz ur Rehman, former Secretary of Local Government, Elections, and Rural Development KP, conducted an informative session on the roles and responsibilities of local government representatives under the KP Local Government Act.
He engaged participants in a focused discussion about the powers and functions of local government officials, using practical examples to illustrate key concepts and enhance understanding.
Himayat Ullah Mayar, Mayor of Mardan and President of the Local Council Association of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, addressed critical challenges facing local governments, particularly regarding funding and authority.
He criticized proposed rules for tehsil councils, stating they conflict with Article 140-A of the Constitution and undermine elected representatives. He called for reforms, including restoring the LG Act 2019, ensuring timely fund releases, and providing necessary resources for local governments in merged districts.
He added that he has also urged the Chief Minister through a letter to intervene swiftly to establish a functional local government system, emphasizing the need for equitable resource distribution and legal honoraria for elected officials.
Additionally, he advocated for the establishment of tehsil offices and the nomination of local representatives to various boards to enhance governance effectiveness. The session effectively highlighted the challenges faced by local governments and garnered the commitment of the Deputy Speaker to empower these institutions.
Elected representatives expressed their dedication to advocating for this cause, emphasizing the urgent need to extend the tenure of local government officials.
They pointed out that, following the initial two-year period, many have been unable to fulfill their responsibilities due to a lack of funding. This extension is crucial for enabling them to serve their communities effectively.
