PESHAWAR: Local government representatives on Monday staged a strong protest outside the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Assembly, blocking Khyber Road and causing severe traffic disruption in the provincial capital.
The protesters, led by Mardan Mayor Himayatullah Meer, gathered in front of the assembly building, chanting slogans against the provincial government. They carried banners and placards demanding the restoration of powers and funds for local governments.
The protesters said their four-year term had been wasted and demanded compensation for the period during which local bodies remained ineffective. They alleged that the provincial government had deprived local government representatives of their constitutional rights, powers and financial resources.
They also demanded that the Provincial Finance Commission (PFC) share for local governments be increased to 50 per cent and called for the establishment of a strong, stable and functional local government system. “Robbery on the rights of local government representatives is unacceptable,” the protesters said.
The participants warned that if their demands were not met immediately, the protest would be expanded and further steps would be taken against the government.
Police and traffic officials reached the scene, blocked the affected road and diverted traffic to alternative routes. Despite these measures, commuters faced serious difficulties due to traffic congestion. Authorities said information about alternative routes was shared through public communication channels.
Officials stated that steps were being taken to maintain order and appealed to protesters to remain peaceful.
