RAWALPINDI: The elected members of cantonment boards in various cities of Punjab, including Rawalpindi and Chaklala, who have suspended ahead of the Punjab Assembly elections, have not been reinstated despite the elections not taking place as scheduled on May 14.
This situation has caused disruptions in the functioning of the boards, leading to stalled projects, delayed meetings, and crucial decisions on civic issues being put on hold.
According to details, the election commission had suspended the elected members of cantonment boards across Punjab based on a Supreme Court order related to the Punjab Assembly elections.
The aim was to ensure that the office bearers did not exert influence on the polling process.
However, since the elections did not occur on the designated date, the elected members of the cantonment boards have not been restored to their positions.
Consequently, the board meetings comprising elected members and nominated official members presided over by the president of the cantonment board and the local station commander, have not taken place.
These meetings play a vital role in approving development schemes proposed by elected members, as well as addressing financial, administrative, and civic issues within the cantonments.
Moreover, the board meetings are responsible for approving new development schemes related to water supply, roads, streets, sewerage, and construction and maintenance matters.
These meetings also address the problems related to basic civic amenities faced by the residents of the cantonment areas.
It is worth noting that the majority of the elected members in the Rawalpindi and Chaklala Cantonment Boards have affiliations with or support the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
When contacted, an elected member of the cantonment board expressed frustration over the lack of board meetings in the past three months.
Despite being representatives of the people, they are unable to address the issues faced by their constituents.
The member urged the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to issue an order lifting the suspension on the elected members of the cantonment board, allowing them to resume their responsibilities.
Source: Tribune
