Legal Framework Does Not Allow Extension Of Local Governments' Term: KP Panel

(MENAFN- Tribal News Network)

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The parliamentary committee formed by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly has presented its detailed report on the issue of extending the tenure of local governments, stating that under the existing constitutional and legal framework, extending the term of local government representatives is not possible.

According to the committee’s report, after reviewing the Constitution of Pakistan and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Local Government Act 2013, particularly Sections 79 and 120-A, it was found that there is no clear legal provision allowing the extension or delay of the four-year term of elected local government representatives once it is completed.

Based on this review, the committee concluded that under the current laws, extending the tenure of local government institutions is not legally possible.

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The report further stated that local government representatives are directly elected by the public, therefore any extension in their tenure would require amendments to the law, which is a sensitive and complex matter and cannot be considered an immediate or easy solution.

In its recommendations, the parliamentary committee suggested that the legal structure of the current local government system should be reviewed.

In particular, it recommended considering the restoration of the district-tier system to make the local government structure more effective and public-friendly.

For this purpose, either appropriate amendments should be made to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Local Government Act 2013, or a new law should be introduced.

However, the committee clarified that the final authority in this matter rests with the provincial government, which can issue appropriate directives if necessary.

According to the report presented by the committee’s convener, MPA Nazir Ahmed Abbasi, the committee meeting was held on Tuesday at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly.

The meeting was attended by 12 members of the provincial assembly, while local government representatives were also invited to participate.

Among the local government representatives who attended the meeting were Mardan Mayor Himayatullah Khan Mayar, Chairman of Tehsil Council Sarai Naurang Azizullah Khan Marwat, Chairman of Tehsil Local Government Hassan Khel Hafeez ur Rehman, and Coordinator of the Local Councils Association Intizar Ali Khalil.

During the meeting, detailed discussions were held regarding the tenure, legal status, and future of the local government system.

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