DLP Report
PESHAWAR
Mayor Peshawar Haji Zubair Ali has welcomed the Peshawar High Court’s decision declaring the controversial amendment to the Local Government Act null and void.
Terming the verdict a major victory for local democracy, the mayor said it vindicates the stance of elected local representatives who had long opposed the amendment.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Mayor Zubair Ali said the provincial government’s actions were an attempt at political victimization, depriving elected representatives and the people of their constitutional rights.
“It has now been proven that the amendment was politically motivated and a direct attack on democratic institutions,” he stated.
He criticized the provincial government for withholding development funds for over three years, alleging that it deliberately weakened local bodies to centralize control.
“For three years, elected mayors and chairmen were stripped of their powers, undermining local governance and halting development work,” he said.
Zubair Ali highlighted that the legal victory was the result of persistent efforts by local government representatives, who faced police crackdowns, pressure tactics, and public hardship while fighting the case in court.
“Despite all challenges, we did not waver. We fought this battle for the people and have now restored their rights through the judiciary.”
He also accused the provincial government of fostering corruption during this period of administrative paralysis. “Instead of addressing public issues, they opened the floodgates of corruption, as now even their own members are exposing the scandals.”
Calling on the people, especially the youth, to hold the provincial government accountable, Mayor Zubair Ali urged the immediate implementation of the court’s decision. “Power and funds must be transferred without delay so that we can serve the people of Peshawar and the province effectively and transparently.”
