LAHORE: Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) Punjab has rejected the local government ordinance bill proposed by the PML-N government, as it is in conflict with the Constitution.

While addressing a press conference here on Saturday, PTI President Punjab Ijaz Ahmed Chaudhry and General Secretary Dr Yasmeen Rashid said PTI will gather all Punjab opposition parties on one platform against the government if this bill is passed without any amendments. They also said they would approach the courts against the bill. “The bill is in contradiction to its aim and objectives, as it does not propose to devolve powers to local governments,” they added.

The PTI President observed that this bill is worse than the 1979 bill. He said it creates rural and urban divide in democratic world, which is abolished in many countries. “The bill is very vague and does not specify whether the elections will be held on party basis or non-party basis. Through this bill, the government intends to pass on the power to bureaucrats and not the people,” he added.

Ijaz warned the government that if this bill is not modified with real decentralisation of powers to the grass root level, the PTI will hold protest and agitate at all forums till the government amends it.

Dr Yasmeen Rashid criticised the bill, which gives less representation to women and minorities in the local bodies. She said this was injustice to the 52 percent population of this country. Women should be given an opportunity to represent in all forms of government, she added.