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CE's LBs plan against Constitution, says Beg

RECORDER REPORT

LAHORE: Chief of Awami Qiadat Party and head of Foundation for Research on International Environment National Development and Security (Friends), Gen Mirza Aslam Beg (Rtd) on Friday said that local bodies programme presented by the government is not in line with the constitution.

He was addressing a seminar organised by the Punjab Chapter of Friends. The seminar was also addressed by Minister for Information, Shafqat Mahmood, Akram Sheikh, Mohammad Mehdi, Ameer-ul-Azeem, Major Aftab Lodhi (r), Chaudhry Sardar Muhammad, Tariq Gill and others. The topic was "Devolution of Power-an imperative for democracy."

Beg regretted that the military government did not take politicians into confidence before presenting LB programme. He said this programme also does not deal with the subject of provincial autonomy. He stressed the need for promoting the middle class as he claimed it was considered the backbone of any society. He also called for introducing economic and political reforms.

Shafqat Mahmood said the prevailing system was given by the English imperialists some 52 years ago and there was dire need for changing it. He said devolution of power is a must for strengthening the democracy in the country.

He claimed the programme announced by the Chief Executive would ensure representation of people of all segments of the society in local bodies. He stated that with the establishment of districts governments there would be visible change in the administrative structure.

Democracy was not mere holding elections, but it is thinking and attitude towards betterment of people.