PESHAWAR, Jul 28 (APP):Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa North Ameer and former Senior Provincial Minister, Inayatullah Khan on Tuesday alleged that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led provincial government had used a private member's bill to pave the way for delaying local government elections in the province. Addressing a press conference at the Peshawar Press Club along with Jamaat-e-Islami Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ameer, Abdul Wasi, Inayatullah Khan claimed the bill was passed without adequate public …
JI opposes private member’s bill passage in KP assembly, fears indefinite delay in LG polls
PESHAWAR, Jul 28 (APP):Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa North Ameer and former Senior Provincial Minister, Inayatullah Khan on Tuesday alleged that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led provincial government had used a private member’s bill to pave the way for delaying local government elections in the province.
Addressing a press conference at the Peshawar Press Club along with Jamaat-e-Islami Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ameer, Abdul Wasi, Inayatullah Khan claimed the bill was passed without adequate public notice or consultation, raising concerns that the proposed legislation could delay local government elections indefinitely.
He said the PTI government claimed to uphold democracy but had failed to strengthen grassroots democratic institutions and public service delivery.
Rejecting the proposed amendments to the local government law, Inayatullah demanded that the Election Commission of Pakistan ensure the early conduct of local government elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He alleged that the provincial government was reluctant to transfer powers to elected local governments because it feared defeat in the local government elections.
According to Inayatullah, the proposed legislation would reduce the number of local government constituencies, require fresh delimitation and consequently delay the elections for an indefinite period.
He warned that if the provincial government did not withdraw the bill, Jamaat-e-Islami would raise the issue inside the assembly and launch a protest movement after August.
Recalling his party’s previous tenure in local government, Inayatullah said JI had strengthened grassroots democracy by empowering village councils and enabling greater public participation in local governance.
He alleged that the proposed changes would weaken local government institutions, create larger constituencies and reduce people’s representation at the grassroots level.
The JI leader also criticized organizations representing local governments for what he described as their silence over the proposed legislation, alleging that they had failed to oppose the bill publicly.
He demanded that the provincial government restore the Local Government Act, 2013, and ensure the early holding of local government elections in the province.
