MIRPUR (AJK): The local body elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir on November 27 will play an important role in empowering citizens and will change the future of politics in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
These views were expressed by the speakers while addressing a conference hosted by the Center for Peace, Development, and Reforms (CPDR) regarding local government elections.
Leaders of the AJK chapters of Pakistan People Party, Tehreek-e-Insaf and Pakistan Muslim League (N), and All Jammu Kashmir Muslim Conference welcomed the upcoming local government elections to be held at the end of November this year and said that these elections will positively affect the politics and society of Azad Jammu Kashmir, ushering in a new era of development in Azad Jammu Kashmir.
Sardar Javed Ayub said that PPP fully supports the local body elections and expects new leadership to emerge from these elections. Middle-class youth will get a chance to come forward. He said that he wants to see the local government system empowered and efficient.
Addressing the Conference, Sardar Usman Atiq, leader Muslim Conference said that holding the local body elections is a good start. However, this is a gradual process and gradually the local government system will be strong and efficient.
He suggested not expecting quick results. He said that the youth and women should energetically enter the election field and should compete without any fear.
PTI leader Sardar Mohammad Israel Qazi said that Tehreek-e-Insaf has succeeded in transferring power to the grassroots as per Imran Khan’s vision. PTI will achieve remarkable victory in local government elections and empower common people, he anticipated.
Speaking on the occasion, PML-N leader Zahid Amin Kashif said that the democratic system cannot take root without local elections.
He said that the Muslim League will participate in the election with full vigor and zeal. It is the right of the people that their local problems should be solved at the local level. He expressed the hope that the democratic system will be strengthened by the LG election.
Director CPDR, Ershad Mahmud said that the democratic process is not completed merely by the election of the Legislative Assembly, rather the citizens have to participate in the decision-making process.
He said that the local government system plays a role in developing the democratic system and developing strong leadership.
He said that after the election, there should be a discussion on the problems faced by the local bodies.
Dr. Waqas Ali, the host of the conference, said that women and youth should have equal opportunities for development and becoming part of the political system so that they can play a positive role in the development of the State.
He said that it is the responsibility of the political parties to give maximum tickets to young people and women.
PPP youth leader Murad Ali said that a large number of young people are eager to participate in the elections but they should also be provided with the necessary training so that they can be elected and given a chance to play their part in the development and good governance of the State.