No system of government can work efficiently without a strict system of check and balance. This country definitely needs to have a responsible transparent Local Government System restored, but it must be ensured that the corruption and an almost “a state within a state” situation which existed in 2003-2007 should never be allowed to raise its head again. Elected office places a burden on those who hold such offices to hold themselves accountable to law, and subject themselves and their projects to strict auditing, so as to prevent pilferage.
Law enforcement and district judiciary must be independent of city district government so as to prevent abuse of power. Elected public office holders do not have a right to take law in their hands, to hold hostage Chief Justice of Pakistan, or to bar citizens of Pakistan from free access to any city within the country, nor indulge in massive abuse of powers and deny freedom to many who may dare dissent with them.
RAHAT SIDDIQI
Karachi