KARACHI, July 19: Chairman of the National Reconstruction Bureau (NRB) Daniyal Aziz has said that for economic salvation, we would have to enhance our revenue.

He was talking to newsmen after speaking as chief guest at a convention of the All Sindh Taluka/Town Nazims Alliance here on Monday.

Referring to the economic stability achieved by the country, the NRB chief said that in order to sustain this in the years ahead, Pakistan would have to improve its GDP to tax ratio which was lesser than that of the other developing countries. This, he added, might lead to economic weakness at national level.

"In spite of various steps, we could not achieve the goal, but nazims putting in immense efforts have proved that this is possible to enhance revenues," he remarked, adding: "they have proved that we possess the ability and procedure that we can attain economic strength and stability."

Regarding improvement in the local government system, he pointed out that many nazims themselves had stated that several of their grievances at local level had been resolved.

In reply to a question, the NRB chief said he was convinced that with the passage of time, the system would strengthen further and the irritants, if any, would be removed.

He said that all councillors were eligible for honorarium. However, he added, due to some technical snags, the matter stuck up at the provincial level. He held out the assurance that it would be resolved in accordance with the provision of the law.

Replying to another question, Daniyal Aziz said: "Under the local government ordinance, which is in vogue, a chief minister is authorized to suspend any district nazim but the matter has to be brought before the assembly within 30 days for the move's approval with simple majority after providing an opportunity for hearing."

He said that some provincial governments had suggested that this 'external recall' be ended. However, Mr Aziz said that it would be premature to talk on this matter as it was under discussion.

He made it clear that the decisions aimed at an improvement in the system would certainly be taken. "No decisions, however, for its rollback would be accepted," he declared.

Referring to his discussions with MNAs and MPAs, the NRB chief said that they had asked that the legislators had called for determining powers of MNAs at local level with regard to development and administrative constituencies so that this irritant could be resolved.

Earlier, speaking as chief guest at the convention, Daniyal Aziz said: "The local government system in Pakistan has come to stay, and vowed to make every effort to resolve the problems being faced by common man in the country."

Our common goal is to work for the betterment and welfare of the masses, the NRB chief said. Mr Aziz was of the view that economic stability that had been achieved by the country should also reflect at the grassroots level so that masses could also feel its impact.

He pointed out that there was a general impression that the local government system was good for the country and that a small number of amendments were required which should be made through the process of consultations with stakeholders.

He pointed out that the local government system worked under provincial framework. He stressed on a prompt check on any violation of the law wherever it was committed.

He appreciated performance of taluka and tehsil administrations and observed that many of them had substantially enhanced their revenues without increasing any taxes. Mr Aziz told the taluka and town nazims that the issues raised at the convention had already been ironed out and there would be some headway in a couple of weeks in this regard.

He also referred to the setting up of a provincial finance commission meant for disbursing funds among the local government institutions. President of the Alliance Ghulam Mustafa Khaskheli said that the elected representatives were ready to offer sacrifices for the protection of the system in the country.

He declared that all nazims would work unitedly for the implementation of the seven-point agenda unveiled by President Musharraf. Mr Khaskheli observed that following the general elections, there were some moves against the local government system. He alleged that bureaucracy had also been conspiring against the system.

He deplored the treatment meted out to nazim of Orangi Town Guddu Behari and nazim of Liaquatabad Town Dr Pervez. Speaking on the occasion, Taluka Nazim of Sukkur Syed Kazim Ali Shah observed that political interference in local governments was on the increased. He called for the appointment of municipal magistrates and restoration of octroi system.

Taluka Nazim of Shikarpur Agha Amjadullah Pathan stressed on the implementation of the Sindh Local Government Ordinance (SLGO) in letter and spirit. Nazim of Lyari Town (Karachi) Abdul Khaliq Juma demanded adequate funds for the provision of better civic facilities to people.

Lala Mohammad Ayub, Ali Akbar Jamali, Nazir Ahmed Shaikh, Abdul Jabbar Khan and Dr Syed Noor Ali Shah also spoke on the occasion. Nazim of Jamshed Town (Karachi) Ahmed Qasim Parekh presented the welcome address. -APP