KP LGs representatives withdraw protest call on CM – Pakistan assurance

PESHAWAR: Representatives of the local government announced the withdrawal of their call for protest on October 30, 2024 after holding a meeting with KP Chief Minister Sardar Ali Amin Khan Gandapur here on Saturday.

A meeting to address the issues faced by elected representatives of local governments was held here under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Khan Gandapur. Besides this, Provincial Minister for Local Government Arshad Ayub, officials from local government and other involved departments were present on the occasion. It was also attended by a delegation of elected local authorities. The delegates included Himayatullah Mayar, Inamullah Khan, Sardar Shuja Nabi, Farhad Khan, Azizullah Afridi and others.

Proposed amendments to the Tehsil Local Government Rules 2022 suggested by the representatives of the local bodies were easily discussed during the meeting and almost all the proposed amendments were agreed in principle, which will be submitted to the provincial cabinet for final approval. It was also decided that a meeting would be held to address other legitimate demands of local body representatives.

Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said that the approval of these amendments will empower local governments, making them more efficient. He underlined the provincial government’s commitment to strengthen local bodies financially and administratively, aligning it with the vision of PTI founder chairman Imran Khan.

The Chief Minister noted that empowering local governments would enable them to address public issues at the grassroots level for the benefit of both the provincial government and the citizens, and the current provincial government is taking priority measures to address issues facing local representatives; adding that the remuneration and monthly allowances for Tehsil chairmen have been increased from Rs.30,000 to Rs.80,000. Rs.466 million has been released for village and neighborhood councils in established districts and Rs.94 million for those in newly merged districts. Further, he added that Rs 548 million has been released for TMAs (Tehsil Municipal Administrations) in established districts and Rs 33 million for merged districts.

The President also informed that Rs 350 crore has been approved to conduct sports activities under the local governments in the merged districts, while the provision of vehicles to the Tehsil Presidents will be completed in a few days.

Ali Amin Gandapur noted that substantial funds have also been released to clear outstanding dues of local bodies.