GAMAR CHASHMA: Local government representatives from Lotkoh Valley at a meeting here expressed deep concern over the continued neglect of the local government in terms of budget allocations.
The meeting, which was attended by a large number of elected representatives and community elders, highlighted the absence of budget allocation for local bodies over the past three years.
Speaking on behalf of the representatives, Ziarat Village Council Chairman Nawab Khan criticized the provincial government for the \”systematic destruction\” of local governance.
He said despite PTI’s original vision under Imran Khan, which emphasized devolution of power and empowering grassroots institutions, the local government system had been marginalized more severely than during any previous regime, including martial law periods.
He demanded the immediate release of the cumulative development budget for the past three years.
\”We are not asking for favors, we are demanding our right to serve our people and address the basic civic needs of our areas,\” said Nawab Khan.
Other village council chairmen warned that if the long-overdue budget was not released promptly, they will launch a province-wide protest. The protest plan includes sit-ins on both sides of the Lowari Tunnel to block traffic, followed by a march to the provincial assembly in Peshawar, where they intend to stage a demonstration and, if necessary, disrupt the assembly proceedings.
Community elders, who participated in the meeting, voiced full support for the demands put forward by the local representatives, emphasizing that these are genuine public concerns. They urged the provincial government to take immediate action to avoid unrest.