Provincial Minister for Information and Local Government Amir Mir has taken a resolute stance against corruption within the Local Government Department, particularly concerning illegal constructions.
In an effort to curb this menace, the minister called upon the local government department secretary to identify all corrupt officers, blacklist the building officers and zonal planning officers operating in areas where illegal constructions have been verified. He emphasised that any officers found with concrete evidence of involvement in illegal constructions should be promptly suspended, setting an example to deter others from engaging in similar misconduct.
The minister expressed grave concern that those engaged in illegal constructions were forming a criminal network akin to a mafia. Such officers’ facilitation not only tarnishes the government’s image but also harms the institution’s reputation, he maintained. Amir Mir highlighted that the repercussions extend beyond just encroachments, as this illicit activity also hampers revenue collection.
The minister asserted that decisive action against corrupt officers would not only enhance the reputation of the local government department but also restore public trust in the institution. Additionally, combating corruption would improve tax collections, benefiting the government and the community at large, he added.
