LCA Balochistan’s Annual General Meeting 2023: A Pivotal Gathering for Local Governance and Sustainable Development
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari Addresses Elected Representatives, Unveils Vision for Local Empowerment and Green Energy in Balochistan
Quetta, December 1, 2023 – The Local Councils Association (LCA) of Balochistan convened its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on December 1, 2023, in Quetta, the heart of Balochistan. Over 300 elected local government representatives from across Balochistan participated in the AGM, which also included internal elections for the LCA Balochistan.
In the AGM, elections were held for the Board of Governors, including reserved seats for women, minorities, and farmer councillors, as well as the Executive Committee. Notably, all elected members received training on Energy Management Systems and Energy Efficiency.
The event was graced by the presence of former Foreign Minister of Pakistan, and Chairman of PPP, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. Also attending were Former Local Government Minister Sindh, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, Chairman of District Council Sukkur, and President ADLG, Syed Kumail Hyder Shah. The President of the Local Councils Association of Balochistan, Mir Abid Hussain Lehri, hosted the event, while Anwar Hussain, CEO ADLG, and Zaib Un Nisa managed the proceedings.
In his remarks, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari highlighted the importance of empowering local governments and decentralizing administrative, political, and financial powers. He expressed satisfaction that Bilawal Bhutto has pledged to grant full autonomy to local governments.
“We are pleased that Bilawal Bhutto has emphasized granting local governments administrative, political, and financial powers. The solution to all issues lies in providing complete authority to local governments,” he said.
Syed Kumail
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, while sharing his vision for the future, announced plans for the creation of green energy parks at the district level through public-private partnerships. He mentioned the utilization of the private sector for electricity production, leveraging renewable sources such as wind and solar, and ensuring local distribution to deserving communities.
“If the PPP forms the government after elections, green energy parks will be established at the district level to address the electricity crisis, and low-income households will receive up to 300 units of free electricity monthly,” he announced.
Bilawal Bhutto
He further discussed the implementation of carbon offset and credits concepts in Balochistan, similar to the practices in Sindh. Bilawal emphasized the need for future recommendation meetings to be conducted at the local government level, addressing municipal issues like water, electricity, and food.
The AGM proved to be a significant platform for discourse on local governance, sustainable development, and the pivotal role of local governments in addressing the unique challenges faced by the diverse regions of Balochistan.
