ISLAMABAD: While Punjab and Sindh provinces are still reluctant to hand over powers to their elected local government representatives, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf chairman Imran Khan on Monday promised to make LG institutions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa financially stronger.

Speaking at a press conference here on Monday, the cricketer-turned-politician announced that all discretionary funds in KP were now being abolished and members of the provincial assembly (MPAs) in KP would no more enjoy discretionary funds.

“MPAs should focus on lawmaking,” Mr Khan said, without promising a law to end the culture of discretionary funds to provincial lawmakers in future.

However, he added that development funds should not be used for political purposes.

“Changes related to local governments introduced in KP will be ones which have never taken place in any province before,” Mr Khan said, while announcing a 13-point agenda for prosperity in KP.

The PTI chairman said that MPAs used to be bribed in the past through discretionary funds and because of the KP government move MPAs would now have no role in development activities.

He said that the provincial government would provide Rs33 billion to local government representatives who would be responsible for spending these funds on development projects in the province.

“The KP’s local government system shall be exemplary for other provinces,” Mr Khan said, adding that a new accountability law was being introduced in the provincial assembly to make accountability cell stronger and more powerful.

He also announced the establishment of Galiat Development Authority for upgrade of the hilly region mainly falling within the Hazara division.

Mr Khan also said that the KP government faced resistance from several quarters while pursuing LG reforms, and lauded services of KP Chief Minister Pervaiz Khattak for strengthening the LG institutions in the province.

Mr Khan also said that police had been made apolitical in KP, adding that currently no lobby or organised group could intervene in the performance of the police department.

The PTI chief also announced a reward for anyone pointing out corruption cases in the province.

“Corruption in Khyber Pakhtun­khwa is at the lowest level compared to other provinces, according to the Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency survey,” Mr Khan said.

He also highlighted the issue of Afghan refugees in the country and said that an impression was being created that acts of terrorism in the country were on the rise because of Afghan refugees.

In order to deal with this issue, he said, a committee had been formed under the leadership of Rustam Shah Mohmand.

The PTI chairman said that Afghan refugees were present in the country as guests and they should not be subjected to any injustice.

Published in Dawn, July 26th, 2016