Proposed changes to LG system will give more powers to new mayor.

ISLAMABAD -- In the next local government (LG) election in the capital, the mayor will be elected through direct votes and will enjoy full financial and administrative powers. Besides, more than 100 neighbourhood councils would be set up that will fall in the capital's local government system.

These proposals were presented to Prime Minister Imran Khan by a committee during a meeting on Wednesday.

Presiding over the meeting, the prime minister appreciated the proposals and said the local government system was meant to devolve functions and powers to the grassroot levels for speedy resolution of issues faced by the citizens.

The meeting was attended by Education Minister Shafqat Mahmood, Adviser to Prime Minister on Establishment Shehzad Arbab, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Health Dr Zafar Mirza, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Ali Nawaz Awan and MNAs Asad Umar and Khurram Nawaz.

When contacted, Ali Nawaz Awan said in the new proposed system, the mayor will be given his due power and rights as accorded in developed countries.

He said in the proposed draft, it had also been decided that education would be devolved to...