LAHORE: Senior politician and former foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri has said that local governments are nurseries of democracy which are essential for the development and prosperity of the country.
He was addressing at the launching ceremony of Senior Analyst Salman Abid’s book ‘A Case of Local Government’ organized by Punjab University and Department of Political Science at Al Raazi Hall here on Thursday.
Punjab University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood, Executive Director PILDAT Ahmed Bilal Mahboob, Senior Journalist Sajjad Mir, Political Analyst Dr Asim Allah Bux, Dean Faculty of Business, Economics and Administrative Sciences Prof Dr Mumtaz Anwar Chaudhry, Chairperson Department of Political Science Prof Dr Irum Khalid, faculty members and students were present on the occasion.
In his address, Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri said that the importance of the common man increases in the system of local governments and the country gets leadership from the grassroots level. He said that when he went to China in the 90s, the city looked like Karachi, the first chemical plant was also built in Kala Shahkakoo, but the country suffered from problems due to lack of governance.
The former minister said that urbanization will lead to many problems including water, food, employment and security. He said that the development funds should be given to the elected representatives of the local governments instead of the members of the provincial and national assembly.
Dr Khalid Mahmood said that it was surprising that politicians express doubts about the establishment of local governments. He said that the establishment of local governments must be implemented to democratize the mindset of the nation. He said that in order to run the country’s system in a democratic way, there should be student unions in the universities so that good leadership can be found. He said that Salman Abid’s book covers every aspect of the local government system.
Ahmad Bilal Mahboob said that it was very difficult to make a place for the common man in Pakistani politics. He said that there were problems of political distraction and distribution of powers in the country. He said that the young students have to start a movement to amend the constitution regarding the mandatory establishment of local governments in the country.
Sajjad Mir said that if the local governments work properly in the country, the problem of formation of new provinces will not arise. He said that during the dictatorship, the system of local governments was brought up so that the members of the provincial and national assembly should be least dependent. Dr Asim Allah Bux said that there is a suspended democracy in Pakistan from which the common man has not benefited. He said that if the attitudes of politicians are democratic, the country develops despite differences.
Prof Dr Mumtaz Anwar Chaudhry said that the establishment of local governments is very important for fair distribution of resources and good governance. Prof Dr Irum Khalid said that local governments are the main training center for promoting democratic attitudes. She said that Salman Abid’s book will give students an opportunity to know about the local government system.
Salman Abid thanked PU VC Prof Dr Khalid Mehmood, Chairperson Department of Political Science Prof Dr Irum Khalid and distinguished guests for their support in organizing the event. He said that universities can play a dynamic role in promoting the strength of the democratic system.
