Peshawar :Local government representatives from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) have announced a series of protests against the provincial government over the alleged unfair distribution of funds. Demonstrations will begin on Monday (today) outside Adiala Jail in the morning and in front of the Parliament in the afternoon. A sit-in is planned in Peshawar starting December 26, which will continue until their demands are met.
According to media reports, city mayors from across KP have expressed frustration over the provincial government’s discriminatory treatment of local governments. Coordinator of the Local Councils Association (LCA) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Intizar Ali Khalil, stated that the peaceful protest movement aims to strengthen and stabilize the local government system and highlight the provincial government’s disregard for the rights of local councils.
Khalil emphasized that despite repeated protests and negotiations led by the LCA, the provincial government has failed to address their demands. “This persistent inaction reflects the government’s lack of interest,” he said.
He accused the KP government of violating the law and Constitution by denying local representatives their rightful powers and funds, even three years after the most recent local body elections. Khalil added that this is an attempt to undermine local governments and marginalize their role.
The December 26 sit-in in Peshawar is expected to draw participation from 4,212 village and neighborhood councils, along with their chairpersons, tehsil mayors, and other representatives, including general, youth, farmer, minority, and women members.
The protesters are demanding the full implementation of the Local Government Amendment Act 2019, the release of development funds, payment of honorarium arrears, and clearance of overdue rent for council offices. The sit-in will continue until all demands are met, Khalil asserted.
