ECP feedback on bill to amend LG Act reviewed

LAHORE:During a meeting held at the Civil Secretariat here Thursday, the feedback of the Election Commission of Pakistan on the bill to amend the Local Government Act was reviewed.

The meeting was chaired by Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafiq. Secretary Local Government Shakeel Ahmed Mian participated via a video link while Special Secretary Arshad Baig briefed the provincial minister on the new constituencies.

It was decided during the meeting that the recommendations of the Election Commission will be forwarded to the Standing Committee of the Punjab Assembly for further consideration. Addressing the meeting, LG Minister Zeeshan Rafiq said that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz wants to establish an effective and long-lasting local government system in Punjab.

‘Work is being done at the government level regarding local government elections. The suggestions of the election commission will be placed before the Punjab Assembly after consideration', he remarked.

Zeeshan Rafiq observed that effective governance at the grassroots level is not possible without local governments. 'There should be a local government system that can meet the aspirations of the people', he urged. The minister said that the Local Government Act was being amended keeping in mind the aspect of public betterment.