October 12, 2015, Peshawar:  The Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) flagship radio program Sabawoon (Dawn), that aired on Monday, focused on the local body system in Khyber Pukhtunkhwa (KP) and the role of elected members of the local government system. The key points discussed included the rules of business, powers of newly elected members, utilization of funds, transparency in the system, planning and development.

This program aired under the theme “Jarga Marraka” (Public Dialogue). There were two guests on the show. The first guest, Mr. Muhammad Asim, represents the City District Government Peshawar, and the second, Mr. Khalid Khan, is a team leader from the Subnational Government Program, KP.

The views of the new elected members from the KP local body system were highlighted in a report aired during the show. Mr. Himayat Ullah Mayyar from the district Nazim Office, Mardan said, “The present local body system has no rules for business while the elected members are lacking the potential. It will be beneficial if appropriate rules for business are given to the elected members.”

There were four live calls during the show. The majority of the callers requested the elected members to improve the development of the province as it has been traditionally ignored.

Anees, a live caller, said, “There is no genuine system to end pollution in Peshawar. The officials that are assigned this task are not performing their duties in an acceptable manner.” A second caller, Abdullah, said, “The road infrastructure in the city is at its worst and the government should work on this so there is an improvement in the traffic flow.”

Mr. Muhammad Asim, Nazim of City District Government Peshawar

“The local body system is an example of democracy because everyone has an access to their elected members. The elected members can find an easy solution as they are well aware of the problems being faced in the local context. There are limited funds but it is the right of the people to inquire about the funds being utilized.”

Mr. Khalid Khan, Team Leader Subnational Government Program, KP

”The government should establish rules for business and capacity building programs for the newly elected members so they can commence operations in the province accurately.”