FAISALABAD, Nov 29: Members of the district assembly have given vent to their discontent over the pressure tactics adopted by members of national and provincial assemblies for slashing the powers of local governments.

They termed it a move to sabotage the devolution plan and an attempt to hijack these institutions in lust of money.

During a session of the Zila Council here on Friday, they said they would not allow the interference of MNAs and MPAs on the pretext of demanding share and ‘say’ for evolving uplift projects.

The devolution of power plan, they claimed, was launched after hectic efforts, detailed studies, and was one of seven points agenda of the Musharraf regime.

“It is unfortunate that legislators immediately after the general election started making hue and cry and aired slogans against the functioning and powers of the district government,” they alleged.

They vowed not to allow the MNAs and MPAs to unnecessarily grab powers and sabotage the district government system and urged President Musharraf to fully guard and protect this revolutionary system.

TOLL: The district government has withdrawn its plan to impose toll tax on five major roads of the city due to the strong opposition and resentment from trade bodies.

The decision was taken during a session of the district assembly held here under the chairmanship of speaker B.K Tabish here on Friday.

Immediately after the house proceedings, opposition members raised their voice against the proposed plan of imposing toll tax on Sargodha Road, Narwala Road, Millat Road, Jhang Road and Canal Road and refused to allow the house to pass this plan.

Taking in the situation, the speaker announced that if the house was not ready to impose toll tax on city roads then no one could implement this plan through force.

The speaker announced the withdrawal of this plan, claiming it in the larger interest of citizens and traders.