Local government is a political system that gives the real power into the hands of the people. In this system the power is transformed to the lowest possible level, which gives a ground to the public where they can have a proper say in the government affairs. It is considered to be the basic unit of the democracy. Sadly, in Pakistan this basic unit is either used for political gains or for the implementation of Dictatorial plans. The elected members of the assemblies would never want to share their powers with public, however, Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa government seems to take a historical step and accept that the people deserve to have power in their hands. The Coalition partners in the KP government have agreed on holding the local government elections according to the directives of the Supreme Court of Pakistan and they have written the letter of intent to the elections commission of Pakistan, said by Minister for Local government Mr. Inayatullah. It is a complicated process but somehow the provincial government will find a way to implement it. The question that rises in the mind is that whether, the people of FATA would be waiting for the respond of the Federation in this regard or their fate is yet not kind enough to let them taste the sweet flavor of power. For more information, Please listen the program "Olasi Adalat". Aqil Yousafzai: Welcome dear listeners to our program “Ulasi Adalat” (Public Court). This program provides a plat form for the people to share their concerns, and put their demands to the Members of the provincial and Federal Assemblies, elected by them. The aim of this program is to work as a liaison between the people and their representatives, where the people can put their problems in front of the elected members of the assembly. dear listeners Local Government (a political system in which power is divided among the public and shifted to the lowest level, where people can directly participate in Government’s affair and developmental plans) plays a vital role in the development of a state. However, unfortunately this kind of system in not let to prevail in our country and our politicians seems to be avoiding it, consistently. The present provincial government that has been formed by the coalition among the four political parties has announced that it will go for local government elections soon, and there preparations are on the move, accordingly. There are some questions regarding this system. To answer these questions we have invited the Minister for Local Government KP, Mr. Inayat Ullah (Jumat-e-Islami) in our program. We have also Invited Advocate Ijaz Momand to our program, he is the representative of FATA’s Lawyers. Mr. Inayatullah, Your government has announced to bring the local government system into practice. What progress has been so far made by your government in respect of the “Local government” system? INAYAT ULLAH (Minister for Local Government): the Supreme Court has given instructions in this regard and it is written in the constitution of Pakistan that district governments will be established and they will be political, administratively and financially independent. Therefore, the coalition government of KP believes that it is the right of the people and we have already signed an agreement with partners, before forming the government. The previous government has replaced the Local government ordinance 2001 and enacted The Local Government Act 2012. Therefore, the present government wants to repeal this act (2012) before going for Local government elections. The working group under my chairmanship for the retraction of this act has held few meetings. We are working to build consensus among the coalition partners over the Local government. PTI emphasizes to take the power to the lowest possible level (village council) and give the real power in the hands of the people, and all the Coalition parties in the government have agreed over this system. This will include a unit of 4 to 5 thousand people, and they will give proper powers to have check over the government departments working in their areas. Aqeel Yousafzai: what sort of electoral process will be followed in the local government elections? INAYAT ULLAH (Minister for Local Government): there will be direct elections and the procedure will be the same, as it is in the other elections. Aqeel Yousafzai: why do the political governments in Pakistan have always ignored to go for the local government elections? INAYAT ULLAH (Minister for Local Government): actually our elected members never want the fragmentation of authority and they don’t want to give the powers to the public. We have never followed the true democratic culture that is why the real democracy has not prevailed in this country, so far. We should regulate and establish nursery to let the leadership pore out from the lower level. We should follow the directives of the Supreme Court because it is the part of our constitution and this is actually in our favor. The fragmentation of power will strengthen the roots of the democratic institutions. Aqeel Yousafzai: can we hope that Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa will gain the honor of becoming the first province in the country to hold the local government elections, beside the unrest situation in the province? INAYAT ULLAH (Minister for Local Government): yes we will and we have written the letter of intent to the Election Commission of Pakistan, in which we have mentioned that our provincial government intends to hold the local government elections. We asked them their support in this regard. Aqeel Yousafzai: Do you expect any problems due to the uncertainty and security situation in the province, during the Local Government Elections? INAYAT ULLAH (Minister for Local Government): the previous elections (2008 and 2013) were held in the worst security circumstances. Therefore, I don’t think that the unrest and insecurity in the province would cause any problem for the Local Government elections. We are going to hold the local government elections at every cost. Aqeel Yousafzai: your government plan to established village level council and transform powers to the public. Are you going to develop consensus with other parties (opposition) and with the parliament, on this system of Local Government? INAYAT ULLAH (Minister for Local Government): Obviously, we will develop consensus with all the stakeholders. Once this draft is finalized then it will be discussed in the Cabinet and with the relative administrations (Establishment). After vetting from these offices, the draft will be discussed on the floor of the assembly where the representative of all the parties will take part in the session. Aqeel Yousafzai: you remained staunch activist in Lawyer’s Movement. You know that FATA has always been ignored and there is no remedy that could give relief to their (people of FATA) wounds. According to the directives of the Supreme Court the Local government system is the constitutional right of the people. What kind of Structure do you have in your mind for the Local Government system in FATA that could help in the Welfare of the People of Tribal belt? Advocate Ijaz Momand: actually our political system does not favor the local government. The candidates spent millions of rupees to win the election with the hope that they will recover it in their developmental funds after winning the elections. Therefore, these elected members never support the local government system. We have never let the true democracy to prevail in our country. Supreme Court has given the directives, and May be the election will be contested; however, the local government system in our country would not be according to the expectation of the people. As far as FATA is concerned, so it is the part of Pakistan under the Article 1. However under the Act 247, in the constitution of Pakistan the FATA do not possess many fundamental rights. Even the powers of High court and Supreme Courts do not cover the FATA. So, bringing the local government system in FATA won’t help the people of tribal belt. Previously the Agency Councilors were not elected, instead they were selected and the whole body was under the control of Political Agent. Now if any kind of system (local government) comes into the FATA under the Command of Political Agent, in fact that system will not be in the favor of the people of Tribal belt. Even the previous reforms are not yet implemented, therefore, these new reforms (local government) will only be for the purpose to take money from united Nation, European Union and other international organization, and there will be no fruitful results for the people of FATA. Caller# 1: Saeed Afridi (Hayat Abad): the PTI has promised the nation to bring the positive change but from their performance it doesn’t seem that they will fulfill their promises. What changes will the Local government system bring into our lives? Would it be helpful in the establishment of peace in the province? Aqeel Yousafzai: would you like to answer his questions? INAYAT ULLAH (Minister For Local Government): PTI is trying its best to fulfill its promises; however, the political government runs through some principles. These rules and principles bound the political government to certain limits. Therefore, it takes time to bring the desired changes. Local Government Elections have no major role in the establishment of peace; however, in a long-term the empowerment of the People will remove their feelings of Deprivation. This will help in the elimination of the internal factors, those factors which are causing the turmoil in our society. Report#1: Salman Ahmad (the history and Importance of Local government, Pakistan) Salman Ahmad: Local Government System was devised for the first time in Madraas (India) by the East India Company in the Year 1688, Under the Name of “Municipal Corporation Setup”. This system is still in shape with various names and minor changes in the different places from centuries. Local Government system aims to shift powers to the lowest (common people) possible level. This system of Government is considered as a base for the democracy. Sadly our political governments have avoided this basic unit, consistently. In Pakistan, the local government elections are always held, either for political gains or for the implementation of Dictatorial plans. Beside the claims of the previous government of PPP in the Federal and ANP in the province couldn’t succeed to carry out the Local government elections, however, the present government seems to be sincere in their efforts. Javid Azeez ( Senior Journalist): I don’t think that it was the priority of the previous government, because I have heard Mr. Basheer Biloor (Senior Minister, ANP) that they have developed a plan to hold the local government elections before the general elections, but they never did it. It would have been in the favor of the ruling parties. Now PTI is sincerely struggling to bring the local government system into practice, according to the international standards. Salman Ahmad: although, the local government system was devised to properly address the problems of the public, however, in Pakistan the military dictators (General Ayub Khan in 1959, General Zia in 1979 and General Musharaf in 2000) have used this basic unit of democracy to extend their dictatorial rule. Mena Khan (EX President Youth wing, PTI): we came with claim of Change, and we will fulfill all our promises that we made to the people. Local government elections are the priority of the PTI’s Government. Actually the previous governments were using the delaying tactics because in the local government system they would have no chance for corruption. But PTI claims of change, and we want the real power in the hands of the people of Pakistan. Atta-Ul-Lah Khan (Mphil student): the consistency in the local government system will play quite a helpful role in addressing the problems of the people. The previous local governments had helped the people in minor issues. The local government system transforms the powers to the people. Salman Ahmad: though the local government system is quite helpful in addressing the public issue and it provides the platform to the people to access their representatives directly, however, there are few concerns of the public in relation to the previous local governments in Pakistan. Hameed-Ul-Lah Khan: in past, all the problems of the people were used to be solved by the Chairman or Member of the local government. The new system of “Nazim” is not good enough, because the system devised by the British was authentic and properly planned to give the power into the hands of the public. That system was quite beneficial. Salman Ahmad: although, local government elections are the priority of the PTI, however, their provincial government has yet not developed a proper plan for it. Salman Ahmad, CRSS Peshawar. Aqeel Yousafzai: Molana Fazl-ur-Rehman has given the statement that the situations for Local government elections in the province are not favorable. You were coalition partners once. As a minister of Local Government, how do you look into the statement of Molana? ‘ INAYAT ULLAH (Minister For Local Government): I do not agree with his statement. From the last decade there is continues unrest and uncertainty in the province, beside this turmoil we have seen that the elections of 2008 and 2013 were held successfully. Therefore, I believe that there will be no serious security problems during the local government elections, and the provincial government will hold the local government elections as soon as possible. Aqeel Yousafzai: Your pervious coalition partners criticizes the rigid behavior and inflexible attitude of the Members of Jumat-e-Islami with bureaucracy, and in other Official dealings. Today you are in coalition with PTI; do you face any hurdles while dealing with your coalition partners or other departments? INAYAT ULLAH (Minister For Local Government): it is Wrong perception About Jumat-e-Islami and it has become one of the major reasons of our failure in the elections. It is a concept about our Party that we are not flexible and we do not compromise. We are quite flexible and compromising in the National Affairs that are in interest of the public, however, there are some core principles of Juma-e-Islami. These principles cannot be compromised in any circumstances. For example village council is the concept of PTI and it is quite a radical change, and the people have different concerns about this new system. In each province the members exceed 40 thousand, where each village council will be given a single employ and then developmental funds and establishment funds, which will increase the financial expenses. We have rationalized the village council concept and reduced the implications in the system. So, we have successfully reached on a mutual agreement with our coalition partners. It shows that we are flexible. Aqeel Yousafzai: Is there any Model of “Village Council Concept” in Practice somewhere in other countries, from whom you have taken this concept? INAYAT ULLAH (Minister for Local Government): it was in Practice in the Subcontinent, before the Colonial System. Traditional System like Pachayat, Jirga etc is the different forms of this system. However, they were changed after the colonial setup. Therefore, we want to go back to that original system which was successfully followed in this region, long time ago. In the 2001 ordinance, this concept was available but it was not implemented in actual shape. Aqeel Yousafzai: what are the hurdles for these kinds of changes (political) in FATA? Whether, it is the Traditional Statuesque or the lack of awareness among the people of Tribal belt that has blocked the path of Electoral Changes in FATA? Advocate Ijaz Momand: no, it is not right. the people of FATA are aware of their rights. Actually The Federal government and Parliamentarians (FATA’s people representatives) are responsible for the situation in FATA, today. In this country some of our decisions are not in our own hands. The elections of 2003 and 2008, when Religious Parties and then Nationalist forces were brought into power respectively, Backed by some hidden forces. Even the White house has played its role behind the scene. At the time of these religious forces (religious parties’ government), the Unrest and militancy spread throughout the country. Then the Nationalist came into power and the result is in front of you. The present government will be judged within year or two, and I think it won’t even stand for more than one and half a year. In the Statuesque of FATA there are international hands and internal powers, who do not want to break this Statuesque. Today FATA is the focus of International forces, the terrorist have found safe haven in tribal belt. The People of FATA are not terrorists, they are peaceful and cultured. However, some external and internal forces have confined them for the deep interest of these powers. Aqeel Yousafzai: if the right of vote is given to the people of FATA, will it bring any change in their lives? Advocate Ijaz Momand: when the political parities act was extended to FATA, the people have taken an active part in the recent elections. However, we need the powers of legislative changes in the hand of the FATA’s representative. There is a need for legislative changes. The Parliamentarians of FATA cannot bring the legislative changes and this is our actual problem. Actually we need amendments in the Act 247 of the constitution. Until the complete reforms and extension of the constitution of Pakistan to FATA, there will be no positive changes in the tribal belt. The local government system is not a remedy for the wounds of FATA and it will have no benefits in their lives. Because it will still be under the chairs of the political Administration and that is where the Statuesque Lays. Aqeel Yousafzai: do you mean that this system will open new path for corruption on the lower level? Advocate Ijaz Momand: yes indeed, it will. Before 80s the Malik System was fair enough inside the tribal belt, however, after that in 90s (1990) the Traditional Mulla became Mujahid. The Same Mujahid then became Talib in the 2000, and today they are called terrorist. The question is that why did they became terrorists? Who did it and what forces were behind this change? The same situation happened with Malik. We should seriously think about these reasons, otherwise, it is getting worse and worse. Caller#1: Mukammil Shah (Gul Bahar): we expect this new government that they will do best for the people. Yet, as far as local government system is concerned, the minister said that it would contain many people. It seems that it will be a very major change and this system will include thousands of members. Then how would it be possible to organize and put into action such a huge amount of the members. It will be very nice of him if he can explain this system to the listeners? INAYAT ULLAH (Minster for Local Government): it is a good sign that the people are keeping close eye on the activities of the present government. This show that our people are vigilant and there is awareness among the public. As the democracy prevails in our society, the awareness and vigilance in the people will increase. This new concept of village council will take powers to the lowest level; it will give real power in the hands of the people. The public will have an easy access and say in the national affairs with respect to Union council or other system of Local government. These members will be not paid by the government; it will just give them a platform to put their concerns and problems in front of their representatives, and a ground to deal with their problems on village level. Aqeel Yousafzai: how will the elected MPAs and MNAs coordinate with these members of the local government system? Have you discussed the devolution/division of power among these members? INAYAT ULLAH (Minister For Local Government): this is the most important issue and it will be discussed in the Provincial assembly, when the draft is finalized. There is in fact mistrust among the Members of the assembly and local body. This is the gray area that needs to be addressed properly. It is vital for the success of this system that there must be a linkage between the members of the assemblies and of the local Bodies. However, so far this issue is not discussed in a careful manner. Report#1: Kamran Afridi Kamran Afridi: the Local government elections have become the topic of Discussion throughout the country, now a day. The Supreme Court has given the directives to the government to hold local government elections in September, this year. After the directions of SC, The people of FATA hope to participate in these elections. Asadullah (Jamroz, Khayber agency): the local government elections in FATA will help to remove the feelings of deprivation in the people of FATA and it will play a vital role in the establishment of peace in the region. It is almost impossible for a common man to access the members of the assembly but after the implementation of the local government system, it will be easy for a lay man to reach the authorities. This in a long-run will insure the peace. Kamran Afridi: the local government elections were held in the year 2004, in FATA. In these elections the councilors were elected for 4 years but this system was not let to prevail, and was terminated. Javid (Khyber agency): this system will benefit the common man and it will also insure the proper use of the developmental funds. Because the powers will be transformed to the people and these major stockholders will participate in the developmental projects. The elected members (councilors, Nazims) will be answerable to the public directly. It is hoped that the local government system will play an important role in the development of the Tribal belt. Kamran Afridi: while, on the other side Noor khan who is a political worker do not agree with the statement of Javid. According to him the local government system will have no benefits in the presence of FCR (Frontier Crime Regulations) in FATA. Noor Khan: the situation of FATA cannot improve until 40 FCR is an intact. Political agent holds all the powers of the good and the bad. Even if a councilor dares to ask him of his deeds, the PA has the power to confine him. In short this system (local government) will not work in the presence of FCR in FATA. Farhad Shinwari (reporter Mashal radio, Khyber agency): this system will produce leadership on the lower level, which will boost the development of the Tribal belt. There are MPAs in other part of the country, while in FATA the elected councilors will cover this gape. This system will insure the access of the people to the authorities, for solving their problems. Kamran Afridi: Mr. Fazul-ul-Lah (director information directorate, FATA secretariat) said that there is no law existing in FATA for holding the local government elections, yet. The orders of the Supreme Court and High court of Pakistan do not apply on FATA. That is why the FATA secretariat has no preparations for holding the local government elections In FATA. Kamran Afridi, CRSS Khyber Agency… Aqeel Yousafzai: What will you deliver to the people of Khbyer Pakhtoonkhwa during 5 years of your government? INAYAT ULLAH (Minister for Local Government): the coalition government of KP has an agreement to eradicate corruption, make amendments in Education, health and Local bodies sectors, exploit the potential in the energy sector on provincial level, and will establish an independent commission for transparency and monitoring to keep check on the system. The coalition government will follow the Merit in every sector. If we succeed to apply these steps practically that we have agreed upon then I would say that though, it may not be an exemplary government but it will be far better than the previous governments. In our tenure, if we couldn’t root out the corruption, however, at least we will make it sure to bring it to the minimum level. Aqeel Yousafzai: what steps would you recommend for the improvement in FATA? Advocate Ijaz Momand: first of all there are 30 lacks IDPs in the country and their situation is miserable. Their problems need proper attention. On April 27th a convention was held in the High court, in which the Judges of the High Court and 1200 lawyers participated. A joint resolution was passed in the convention, which demanded to extend the Authority of The Supreme Court and High Court of Pakistan to the Tribal Belt. Even the provincial assembly has also passed the resolution in this respect. Until the Jurisdiction of Supreme Court and High Court is extended to FATA, there can be no positive change expected in the tribal belt. The only solution to this problem is to give them the rights, parallel to the other citizens of Pakistan. Aqeel Yousafzai: do you have any plan for the addressing these problems of the people of FATA on the provincial level? And as the IDPs are sheltered in province that comes under the jurisdiction of the provincial government, so do you have any plans for the IDPs to insure their participation in the local government elections? INAYAT ULLAH (Minister for Local Government): elections in FATA do not come under our jurisdiction. However, if the elections are held in FATA then the provincial government will facilitate the IDPs for taking part in the electoral process. I agree with Mr. Advocate Ijaz Momand that there is a need for amendment in the Article 247; however, the assemblies do not possess the power to make the legislative changes in this respect. Because these are the regulations and only the president has the authority to change them or make amendments in them. Therefore, these regulations cannot be discussed on the floors of the assemblies and the legislators of FATA have no powers to make amendments in these regulations. We all agree that these regulations are brutal and against the basic human rights. Our party has filed a case against these black laws, waiting for an action from the courts. Advocate Ijaz Momand: if the National Assembly pass a resolution demanding the amendments in article 247. Would the provincial government support the resolution? INAYAT ULLAH (Minister For Local Government): yes, we will support the resolution. Aqeel Yousafzai: thanks for your time. Dear listeners stay blessed, GOOD BYE.
Posted on: Fri, 26 Jul 2013 08:49:02 +0000
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