PESHAWAR
Local government representatives from across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Friday staged a sit-in outside the provincial assembly building demanding extension in their tenure, release of development funds and empowering local government system in the province. The protest was led by Mayor Peshawar Haji Zubair Ali and Mayor Mardan Himayatullah Mayar, with support from ANP leader Mian Iftikhar.
The protesters first gathered at Jinnah Park. Later they walked up to the KP Assembly Chowk. They staged a sit-in outside the KP Assembly. They were carrying placards and banners inscribed with their demands.
The sit-in saw participation from local government representatives, mayors, and Tehsil chairmen from across the province, including Azizullah Marwat, Spokesperson of the Local Councils Association KP; Haroon Sifat, Head of Administrative Committee; Ghulam Haqqani, Tehsil Chairman Razar Swabi; Adil Khan, Tehsil Chairman Lahore Swabi; Intizar Khalil, Coordinator of the Local Councils Association; Syed Badshah, Tehsil Chairman Khar Bajaur; Rafiullah, Tehsil Chairman Upper Dir; Rahim Jadoon, Tehsil Chairman Topi Swabi; and others.
Addressing the protestors, Mayors Haji Zubair Ali and Himayatullah Mayar said that local governments have been rendered ineffective under a “well-thought-out plan” over the past four years.
They criticized the provincial government for oppressing local representatives and withholding their rights, calling it an injustice not only to officials but also to the public.
They noted that several rounds of negotiations with former Chief Minister Mahmood Khan and Sardar Ali Amin Gandapur failed to yield results despite documented assurances. They highlighted that the Supreme Court had ruled in favor of local government representatives, invalidating amendments made by the PTI provincial government in the Local Government Act 2019 and confirming their powers and access to development funds.
“The provincial government has repeatedly flouted constitutional, legal, and judicial directives, leaving local representatives with no option but to resort to protests,” said Haji Zubair Ali.
The protestors marched from Jinnah Park to the Assembly Chowk, staging a sit-in while raising slogans in support of their demands. KP Assembly opposition leader Dr. Ibad also joined the demonstration to express solidarity with the local government representatives.
The demonstrators called on the provincial government to implement Supreme Court rulings and restore the rights and powers of local governments without further delay.
