HARIPUR, Jan 19: Activists of Haripur-based non-governmental organizations (NGOs) on Wednesday staged a demonstration against the government's reported decision to reduce the number of seats reserved for women in the district government during the forthcoming local bodies polls elections.

The demonstration was arranged by the Haripur chapter of the Aurat Foundation in collaboration with Rural Development Project, Sungi Foundation, District Women Councilors Forum and District Resource Centre and attended by staff of various NGOs and councillors.

The participants marched on the G.T. Road from Haripur Press Club to the old bus terminus carrying placards and banners inscribed with slogans denouncing the government's decision.

The speakers condemned the decision adding that the long struggle of different rights' organizations for empowering women in decision-making process, would not only undermine the process of devolution of powers at the grass-roots level, but also deprive women of their rights guaranteed under the Local Government Ordinance 2,000.

They termed it a conspiracy on the part of bureaucracy and elements who were opposed to the idea of giving maximum representation to women in all levels of district government system.