President Mamnoon Hussain has said the local governments have a pivotal role to play in strengthening democracy and improving the lot of people in the country.
He was addressing a ceremony organised by the representatives of Islamabad local government in connection with Independence Day celebrations in Islamabad on Friday.
The president said that the local representatives should work with dedication and devotion to addressing the basic problems faced by the people.
Hussain said Islamabad is ranked amongst the most beautiful capitals of the world and heavy responsibility rests on its local representatives to add to its beauty through concerted efforts. The local representatives of Islamabad capital territory should serve as a model for other local governments in the country.
He said it is the first time that the local bodies system has been established in the capital territory and the local representatives will have to play a more proactive role in addressing the problems coming their way.
The president said the government is aware of the difficulties faced by the local representatives pertaining to the division of powers and resources and all possible steps will be taken to address them.
Islamabad Mayor Sheikh Ansar Aziz also spoke on the occasion.