Focus on granting constitutional protection to local governments, empowering them financially and administratively, and making any amendments to local government laws subject to a two-thirds majority in the provincial assembly
Staff Reporter
Peshawar: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly convened a session yesterday to discuss several important political, social, and administrative matters. However, the session started two hours late. The session was presided over by Speaker Babar Saleem Swati, and the assembly bells were rung at the opening.
During the question hour, several members raised questions to various departments. MPA Ahmed Kundi asked the Agriculture Department about food shortages in the province and the reliance on other provinces, which the Speaker referred to the standing committee. Similarly, MPA Asma Alam questioned the funds allocated for communication and construction in South Waziristan, which was also referred to the relevant committee. Asma Alam highlighted concerns about the protection of the rights of women, minorities, and respected individuals, and expressed concern over insufficient fund allocation. Ahmed Kundi also raised constitutional questions regarding the recruitment of women in tubewell operator positions.
Additionally, PML-N MPA Faiza Malik presented a call-for-attention notice regarding the underperformance of the Social Welfare Department. She said that over the past two years, many working-class families have been deprived of relief and benefits, causing severe social and economic problems. PPP MPA Mehr Sultana presented a notice regarding the Elementary and Secondary Education Department, highlighting a dispute over the transfer of a building housing a girls’ school and college in Kotla Mohsin Khan, Peshawar, which puts the education of over 600 students at risk.
MPA Amna Sardar presented the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Endowment Fund (Kalash Community) report and emphasized the growing threat of ice and other drugs in the province. She said ice and meth addiction are physically, mentally, and socially destroying the younger generation, calling for immediate action.
Regarding local governments, MPA Ahmed Kundi presented a resolution in the assembly calling for constitutional protection under Article 140-A, granting financial and administrative powers to local governments, and making any amendments to local government laws subject to a two-thirds majority in the provincial assembly.
On law and order, Speaker Babar Saleem Swati said that discussions on the security situation have been ongoing in the assembly for the past four months. Multiple sessions of committees and peace councils were held in the province. The IGP and other institutions provided briefings, and a briefing was requested from the Peshawar Corps Commander to ensure actions are taken in accordance with the law and the Constitution.
Other calls-for-attention notices, questions, and resolutions were also discussed during the session, covering issues including women, minorities, education, social welfare, local governments, and the growing threat of drugs. The provincial assembly emphasized taking further steps to address these public concerns.
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