Abolishment of local body system is a grave and long awaited issue that needs to be resolved. Present democratic government has failed to restore local body system and all the promises in this regard have not been fulfilled. I believe this is also a severe violation of Article 148 of the constitution.
I believe that this delay is merely to hide corruption and embezzlement of public funds that are being spent as per will and whims of current leaders who are non-transparent and imprecise in public funds, thus yielding no benefits to the people at grass root levels.
It is high time to implement a framework and structure of the Local Government institutions that has already been provided in the constitution and that also does not affect the question of provincial autonomy. Article 7 of the constitution clearly outlines the state, where an LG institution has been specifically included. Whereas a framework for national and provincial governments has been provided in detail in the constitution, a proper framework for LG institutions has not been provided.
We demand an immediate restoration of local bodies, and suggest some incorporations to be added in the constitution, eg, the tenure of local government as well as election schedule, specific provisions to prohibit the appointment of non-elected persons as administrators of LG, deputation of local government ombudsman at provincial level as well to address the grievances regarding LG and their elected and non-elected officials. Local government system is a direct support system for the citizens. I wonder as to why and for how long we would be kept deprived of it.
SYED ABID HUSSAIN
Lahore
