ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: President Mamnoon Hussain has said that an effective local government system strengthens democratic dispensation and improves the living standard of the people by resolving their problems at the grass-root level.
While addressing the Independence Day celebration ceremony organized by Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad at the Aiwan-e-Sadr on Friday, the president said that local government system is the nursery of democracy where elected representatives work for welfare and betterment of the people.
Mayor Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad Sheikh Ansar Aziz, deputy mayors, vice chairmen and councilors also attended the ceremony.
Congratulating representatives of Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad on their election in recent local government elections, the president impressed upon them to discharge their responsibilities with dedication and honesty by following 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”, added the president.
President Mamnoon Hussain said that Islamabad is 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.
Mamnoon Hussain noted that in recent years the capital city has seen increase in its population and expansion which has raised some issues adding that 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 noted that initially, Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad being the first ever local body of the capital, will be confronted with some challenges like lack of resources for developmental works and division of employees among different institutions and hoped that with commitment and dedication the elected representatives will be able to resolve these problems and serve the people in true democratic spirit. He expressed optimism that Mayor Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad and other representatives will work with new energy and vigor to address the issues of the local people.
Moreover, President Mamnoon Hussain noted that setting up of illegal Kachi Abadis cause strain on resources which generate many problems. He called for solid planning and strategy before establishment of new localities and urged the representatives to work in addressing this important issue.
The president also urged the representatives to play their part in eradicating the menace of corruption and corrupt practices by promoting virtues of meritocracy and transparency.
