17-
LOCAL BODIES
With a view to solving
problems at local level, thereby generating a feeling of
participation by the people of all regions in the country, MQM
favours making local elected bodies strong and more effective by
promoting the concept of "Local Self Government".
The elected local bodies are basic
institutions for the welfare of the people. Such bodies are close
to the people who have easy access to them; they can be extremely
helpful and effective in solving local problems. But these
institutions have very limited authority for solving problems of
the common man. Local bodies do not have the powers and are
dependent on the provincial government in this matter. In most
cases they are obliged to obtain the consent of the provincial
governments, so much so that even their budget has to be approved
by the provincial government. The provincial governments also
have the powers to dissolve the local bodies at any time. The
result is that the local bodies are completely at their mercy
and, therefore, cannot serve the people appropriately.
MQM's view is that the system of
government should be so organised that the citizens of all
regions can participate in the national affairs. It is,
therefore, essential that power and authority is transferred from
federal level to provincial level and from provincial level to
the elected local bodies.
MQM wants to see the elected local
governments strong, effective and respected. It is therefore,
necessary that the elected local bodies are allowed to exercise
greater authority and financial independence in line with other
developed countries of the world.
MQM wants the local self-government system to be given constitutional protection. All major cities including Karachi and Lahore need to be given the status of Autonomous Metropolitan Corporation as it is elsewhere in the world. For the establishment of effective local bodies, it is essential to hold elections in accordance with the stipulated terms of the Constitution.