March 10, 2016, Peshawar:The Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) flagship radio program Sabawoon’s latest episode was about the importance of the LG representatives in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province and the issues faced by them i.e the expectations of the public, funds allocation, their effective utilization and lack of power disseminations for them. Furthermore, the program highlighted the issues of female councilors, LG representatives’ strikes against KP government, bureaucratic hurdles, performance of local committees and planning and legislation hurdles for them.
The program, under the theme of ‘Jarga Marraka’ (debate and council), was aired on Thursday. Mr. Rehman Afzal, District Member, Peshawar, Mr. Asad Iqbal, Youth Councilor, Peshawar, and Ms. Assia Khattak, Female Councilor, Peshawar, were the guests.
The radio report – which was aired a part of the program – accentuated the concerns of LG representatives and a social activist about the rules of business and the KP Local Government Act. Mr. Saeed Zahir, a LG representative Peshawar, said, “There is a conflict between the rules of business and the Local Government Act. We are facing a power crisis. We are given with the designations but not the authority to do anything. All powers are given to the commissioner, and thus we cannot perform effectively.” Mr. Nizam Uddin, communication expert, Sub-National Governance program said, “LG members have the authority to legislate at district level and ultimately at provincial and national levels. There is a lack of understanding among them about using their powers, rules of business, and the Local Government Act. That has deprived them to perform their duties efficiently.”
Seven live callers took part in the show. They urged LG representatives to perform their responsibilities rather than blaming the government about their power and authority crisis. It is their time to work for the public.”
A caller on the show, Mr. Abdul Nawaz said, “All of us were expecting a lot of developmental work from LG representatives but unfortunately, they have not met our expectations.” Mr. Nasir Khan, another caller, said, “The municipality committee is not performing their responsibilities. LG representatives are supposed to keep a check on them.” Another caller, Mr. Ahmad Ali said, “LG representatives are blaming the government for everything. Why don’t they realize that they are also a part of the government.”
Mr. Rehman Afzal, District Member, Peshawar.
“We don’t have the power to perform successfully. As, We are facing hurdles from the establishment. For every initiative, we spend more time on paper work than the performance to accomplish the task.”
Mr. Asad Iqbal, Youth Councilor, Peshawar.
“Being a Youth Councilor the biggest problem I face is to counter the youth’s questions. We have promised them for a change which is actually not taking place because of the power and funds crisis.”
Ms. Assia Khattak, Female Councilor, Peshawar.
“Males are always dominant in our society. The same is the case with the LG system. Females are always considered as inferiors. If we look at the current scenario, females are facing more problems than males and there is nothing happening to empower them with their rights.”
