By Shabbir Mir in The Express Tribune, October 31st, 2014
GILGIT: Nearly two and a half months after being passed by the Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) Legislative Assembly, the G-B Local Government Bill 2014 was finally signed into law by Governor Pir Karam Ali Shah on Thursday.
The assembly had unanimously passed the bill on August 18 after a select committee of lawmakers debated its pros and cons. However, the delay in its enactment had raised concerns over its fate since the G-B government is nearing the completion of its term.
According to government officials, the delay was caused by the law department because it was vetting the LG Bill. “The governor signed it the day it reached him,” said an official at the governor’s office.
Under the new law, urban areas of G-B i.e. Gilgit and Skardu have been named city metropolitan corporations to be headed by a mayor and deputy mayor, while district councils will be formed in all districts headed by a chairman and vice-chairman.
Moreover, the G-B Finance Council will be formed to supervise financial matters of local bodies. The council’s representatives will be nominated by the leader of the opposition in the assembly, finance minister and local government minister.
The bill was drafted by the G-B Policy Institute (GBPI), a non-profit organisation, after holding a series of consultations with stakeholders in G-B and Islamabad. “It is a great moment for us all. I hope it is a turning point in G-B’s history.” GBPI Director Programmes Altaf Hussain told The Express Tribune in August. http://tribune.com.pk/story/783718/at-the-grass-roots-level-g-b-local-government-bill-signed-into-law-peshawar-city/
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