Effective LG System Strengthens Democracy: Mamnoon

ISLAMABAD: (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th August, 2016) : President Mamnoon Hussain Friday said an effective local government system strengthens democratic dispensation and improves living standard of the people by resolving their problems at grassroots level.

He was addressing the Independence Day celebration ceremony organised by the Islamabad Metropolitan Corporation (IMC) here at the Aiwan-e-Sadr. The President termed the local government system a "nursery of democracy" where elected representatives work for welfare and betterment of the people. Mayor Islamabad Metropolitan Corporation Sheikh Ansar Aziz, deputy mayors, vice chairmen and councillors attended the ceremony. Congratulating representatives of Islamabad Metropolitan Corporation on their election in recent local government elections, the President impressed upon them to discharge their responsibilities with dedication and honesty.

He asked them to follow the Quaid Azam's motto of `Work, Work and Work'. "You have made history as the first elected representatives of the Federal capital and now it is your responsibility to work for the betterment of the city", the President said. President Mamnoon Hussain said Islamabad was one of the beautiful capitals in the world and urged the local representatives to work with missionary zeal to make it a model city for others to emulate.

The President noted that in recent years the capital city has seen increase in its population and expansion which has raised some issues.

He said heavy responsibility falls on the shoulders of elected representatives to meet its infrastructural development needs and ensure provision of basic amenities for the welfare of the people of the city. The President said the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad, being the first-ever local body of the capital, will be confronted with some initial challenges like lack of resources for developmental works and division of employees among different institutions. He expressed the hope that with commitment and dedication, the elected representatives will be able to resolve these problems and serve the people with true democratic spirit. He expressed optimism that Mayor Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad and other representatives will work with new energy and vigour to address the issues of the local people. He noted that setting up of illegal Kachi Abadis cause strain on resources which generate many problems.

The President called for solid planning and strategy before establishment of new localities and urged the representatives to work in addressing this important issue. He also urged the representatives to play their part in eradicating corruption and corrupt practices by promoting virtues of "merit and transparency." President Mamnoon congratulated Mayor Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad and other representatives on organizing this ceremony as part of Independence Day celebrations adding that such events help build Pakistan in the light of teachings of its founding fathers.