HYDERABAD, Jan 18: Speakers at a symposium here on Tuesday criticized proposal to reduce the strength of councillors in the local bodies. The symposium was organized by the Takhleeq Foundation at the press club.

Ayaz Latif Palijo said the amendment would undermine the very purpose of the new system. He said instead of giving more powers to elected representatives, whatever powers were given to them under the local bodies system were also being taken away.

He said no country could develop without the participation of women and stressed the need for empowering them. Jami Chandio said the leadership which had emerged at the local level would be weakened if their strength was reduced.

The director of the Takhleeq Foundation, Ms Ayesha Rahim, said the very purpose of giving representation to women in the local bodies system would be nullified if their seats were reduced. Majeed Thaheem and others also took part in the deliberations.