LG reps protest for funds, power in Peshawar

PESHAWAR
Police in Peshawar on Wednesday fired tear gas and used water cannons to disperse hundreds of elected representatives of local bodies who were protesting against the provincial government for not releasing development funds.
A large number of chairmen of tehsil councils, village councils, neighborhood councils and members of the council gathered from different parts of the province at Jinnah Park, Peshawar.
However, the tension flared outside when the local government representatives marched towards the KP Assembly building and attempted to enter the red zone near the assembly, raising slogans against the provincial government.
The police swiftly responded by blocking Khyber Road with an iron gate. Despite the heavy presence of law enforcement, including police contingents, prison vehicles, and water cannon trucks, the protestors remained determined.
The situation escalated when the police used shelling and water cannons to disperse the protestors, pushing them out of the assembly building.
The protestors claimed that the provincial government was making lame excuses in granting funds and powers to local government representatives.
Local government representatives expressed frustration over their inability to serve their communities effectively due to the lack of funds and autonomy.
They were calling on the provincial government to take immediate action to address their demands for greater authority and adequate financial support.