Punjab Introduces New LG System, Says Leghari.

LAHORE -- Punjab Finance Minister Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari on Friday said that Punjab government had given a new local government system in the light of suggestions of civil society which would strengthen the foundations of democracy in Pakistan. Addressing a press conference here, he said that under this local government system, powers and authorities would be transferred to the people in true sense, adding that democrats have strong reservations about the way in 2019 and 2021 laws were introduced. Punjab Ministers Malik Ahmad Khan and Attaullah Tarar were also present on the occasion. He said that these laws were introduced in an undemocratic manner without consulting civil society, political parties or relevant stakeholders, while Punjab Local Government Act 2022 had been prepared in the light of consultation with the stakeholders and feedback received from the public. Explaining the details of Punjab Local Government Act 2022, the provincial minister said that five major cities including Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Gujranwala and Rawalpindi while four divisional headquarters Sargodha, Bahawalpur, Sahiwal and Dera Ghazi Khan would have nine metropolitan corporations whereas 14 new municipal corporations and 234 municipal committees would be formed. He said that the provincial departments of primary health, primary education, social welfare, family planning, sports, transport, civil defense, public health, arts and culture and tourism had been transferred to district level local govts. 'To ensure good governance and strong check and balance, the system of councils had been restored at all levels of local govts in accordance with the parliamentary...