By Asim Shehzad
LAHORE: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Central Punjab General Secretary Syed Hassan Murtaza on Wednesday alleged that the absence of elected local government institutions in Punjab had contributed to the lack of accountability following the Kahna school tragedy, and called on the provincial government to hold local body elections without further delay.
Speaking at a press conference at the People’s Secretariat in Model Town, Lahore, Murtaza expressed condolences to the families of the 14 children who lost their lives in the Kahna school accident, describing the incident as a reflection of governance failures in areas lacking effective local representation.
“If elected local governments had been functioning in Punjab, those responsible for the Kahna school tragedy could have been held accountable,” he said. “Local representatives would have immediately reached the affected families and ensured that officials answered for the incident.”
He added that Lahore, often described as one of Pakistan’s most developed cities, should not have witnessed such a tragedy, arguing that the incident exposed deficiencies in public services and oversight.
Murtaza also claimed that public reaction would have been different had a similar accident occurred in another province, saying the tragedy should serve as a wake-up call for improving governance across Punjab.
The PPP leader urged the Punjab government to immediately announce local government elections, stressing that democracy could not function effectively without grassroots institutions.
“Wherever the PPP is in government, local government institutions exist. Sustainable governance is impossible without strengthening basic democracy,” he said.
Criticism of local government reforms
Criticizing the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Murtaza alleged that repeated amendments to local government laws and changes in constituency delimitations were politically motivated.
He claimed the government had altered administrative boundaries and electoral arrangements to benefit preferred candidates rather than strengthen democratic institutions.
“The system is being weakened to serve a handful of favourites,” he alleged.
Concerns over proposed legislation
Murtaza also criticized recently proposed legislation, including the Anti-Addicts Bill, arguing that some legal provisions could be misused against political opponents.
He claimed the government was introducing laws that conflicted with constitutional protections, particularly those relating to due process and fundamental rights.
“The nation is already suffering from poverty and unemployment. Instead of providing relief, the government is introducing laws that could be used against political workers,” he said.
The PPP, he added, would oppose any legislation it considered inconsistent with the Constitution and would continue raising public concerns both inside and outside parliament.
Turning to economic issues, Murtaza accused the government of failing to provide relief to citizens facing rising inflation and unemployment.
He alleged that industrial activity had slowed while exports had declined, claiming that economic policies were benefiting only a small segment of society.
“For God’s sake, provide relief to the people before they completely lose hope,” he said.
Responding to a question regarding the situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Murtaza said the PPP supported dialogue to resolve political disputes.
He welcomed reports that several demands raised by the Azad Kashmir Action Committee had been accepted, saying negotiations remained the best way to address public grievances.
The press conference was attended by PPP leaders Usman Malik, Mian Ayub, Chaudhry Akhtar, Rubina Shaheen Wattoo, Ayesha Nawaz Chaudhry, Dr Khayyam Hafeez, Rao Babar Jamil Malik, Imran Khokhar, Faiza Malik, and Zeeshan Shami.
The Punjab government had not immediately responded to Murtaza’s allegations at the time of publication.
