MANSEHRA: The Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl on Monday announced it would launchstreet protests to pressure the PTI government in the province to release development funds to local bodies.

`Our party emerged as the single largest political force in the province in the local government elections almost three years ago. However, our party workers elected as tehsil, village, and neighbourhood council chairmen have yet to receive development funds,` JUI-F tehsil emir Qari Mohammad Siddique told a party gathering in Oghi.

The event was largely attended by JUI-F`s village and neighbourhood council chairmen and representatives, who pledged to fight for their rights.

Qari Mohammad Siddique accused the PTI government of conspiring to undermine the grassroots level governance system in the province by withholding funds needed for development projects.

`We stand in full support of tehsil, village, and neighborhood council chairmen across the board to compel the government to release funds, he said.

JUI-F general secretary Abdul Razzaq said that the government should ensure the prompt release of development funds to local bodies.

`The government should not only release development funds but also empower tehsil, village, and neighbourhood councils to handle governance matters at the grassroots level in accordance with the Local Government Act, 2013,` he said.

JUI-F leader Hafiz Moman Khan Usmani said that the party was committed to peacefully and democratically advocating for the enforcement of Shariah.

`The government must grant due rights and powers to tehsil, village, and neighbourhood council so they can address civicissuesfaced by the people at the grassroots level,` he said.

Mr Usmani said that his party would not allow the government to undermine the local government system or deprive people of their development funds.