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JJ seeks people's contribution in LB system

KARACHI: Chief Executive's Adviser on Information and Media Development Javed Jabbar has urged the people to contribute towards strengthening the local bodies system which would help move towards bringing a revolutionary change.

He was speaking at the inauguration of Baanhn Beli Pakistan's Ujagar Project at the Union Council Songal outside Karachi on Friday.

Javed Jabbar said: 'We are heading towards a revolutionary system'.

He stated that the government would finalise the system on August 14, by incorporating suggestions from the people.

The adviser asked the people to come forward and participate in the process during the next three months.

He said the union councils and the district assemblies would be given the power to levy taxes. They would themselves take a decision to levy tax and even if there is a deficit and income is less and expenditure is more, the wealthier districts could divert additional sums to meet their needs. The Provincial Finance Commission would also extend assistance so that the basic needs of every district could be met.

Javed Jabbar said the government wants to hold free, fair and genuine elections, but pointed out that the electoral rolls are based on the census held 20 years ago and the present government wants that there should be no bogus voters in such lists.

He stated that for the first time computerised voters list is being prepared and it would contiain the names, national identity card numbers and addresses of 60 million voters.

The adviser said work on this is continuing on round-the-clock basis and the first of the lists would complete by September-October and the election in the first (batch of) districts will be conducted in December and when the second part of the voters' list would be complete its election would be held in January.

He stated that after finalisation of the voters, lists the army personnel was again verify them in a door-to-door campaign for reverification so that the voters' lists are 100 percent perfect.

Javed Jabbar said the government's endeavour is that the elections be held in a fair, just and transparent manner.

He said after the conclusion of the district council elections, polls of provincial and national assemblies and Senate would be held.ÑAPP