MURREE: The new demarcation of union councils in Murree has been termed as unjust and illogical by a number of local political leaders.

One of the oldest union councils of Murree, UC Nambal, has been dissolved and its areas have been included in UCs Mussiyari, Angoori and Murree City.

Some parts of UC Ghora Gali have been made into a new UC Dhaar Jawa which includes Dhara, Jawa, Pithli, Chitta Mor, Bansra Gali areas.

UC Bann has also been dissolved and its areas were included in UC Charehaan, Ghehl and Wahgal.

Residents of Murree are perturbed by this reshuffling as it is not based on population data, since census has not taken place for many years.

Moreover, some union councils include areas which are not physically connected to the rest of the UC.

Residents of the two defunct UCs Nambal and Bann protested against the decision and said if their UCs are not restored to their earlier status, they would continue their agitation.

Murree Municipal Committee’s former chairman and president PML-N Murree chapter Raja Daftar Abbasi said that if the original demarcation is not restored he along with a large number of political workers plan to take up the matter in court.

He said the UCs of Murree had been formed after considering the physical approach for the residents of various areas and their unrealistic new demarcation would create problems for the locals.

Arshad Nawaz Abbasi, former nazim UC Nambal and member district council, said that dissolving his union council is an injustice to the residents of this area.

“This is a conspiracy based on political interests against my candidature as I have been unbeaten in this union council for a long time,” he said.

He vowed to take every possible step to fight this decision and restore the union council which has historical significance.

Residents appealed to Chief Election Commissioner Justice Sardar Raza Khan to look into the matter and expressed the hope that being a native of the adjoining Hazara area he would understand the issue and take steps for its resolution.

Published in Dawn, June 23rd, 2015

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