RAWALPINDI, Oct 2: A large number of union councillors, through a resolution, have criticized the candidates for NA-55 for intentionally avoiding face to face dialogue with the voters.

They alleged that the candidates were not aware of the basic problems of the area and not sincere with the people. The resolution was passed by the councillors after announcement of the cancellation of the meeting of candidates with the voters arranged by Pattan Development Organization at a local hotel here on Wednesday.

The NGO had invited five candidates — Agha Riazul Islam of the PPP; Sardar Mohammad Tariq (PML-N); Sheikh Rashid Ahmad (independent); Tariq Muneer Butt (MMA) and Abdul Hafeez Khokhar (independent) — for the dialogue.

A large number of councillors, guests, journalists and representatives of various institutions had to wait for about two hours but not a single candidate turned up.

The resolution maintained that the candidates did not care for the voters despite the fact that they still had to win the elections.

One of the organizers said except Sheikh Rashid Ahmad, all the four candidates had confirmed their participation one hour prior to the programme.

A woman councillor said at least the candidates should have sent their representatives to apologize on their behalf for not being able to attend the programme.

If the leaders cannot fulfil their promises before elections, what can you expect from them when they reach the assemblies, Munir Awan, a councillor, said.

A member of the Tehsil council, Sumaira Khan, said the candidates were neither interested in solving the problems of the people nor had any concrete solutions or package to show to the masses. Therefore, they did not want to face the representatives of their people, she added.

She said it had been one year since the local government started functioning but the women councillors, despite having 33 per cent representation, did not receive funds nor had any power. She said the purpose of the meeting was to find out what the candidates’ policies would be on certain vital issues like the spending of Zakat and dowry funds and distribution of scholarships in the area.

Mr Ali, a voter, said he would not vote for any of these candidates, as they did not have the courage to face the people. He said it seemed that none of the candidates had done their homework.

However, the representatives of Pattan urged the people to cast their votes and bring honest and dedicated people in the assemblies.