Governors allowed to attend Cabinet meetings

KABUL): President Hamid Karzai on Tuesday accepted a proposal from provincial governors regarding their participation in Cabinet meetings.

During a meeting at the Presidential Palace, the governors shared their problems with Karzai and suggested steps to improve governance at the local level.

A statement from the president’s office said the governors’ demand for attending Cabinet meetings had been accepted.

Nangarhar Governor Gul Agha Sherzai urged Karzai to ask his vice-presidents to visit each province to know the problems facing residents and officials.

“Since the president is busy dealing with other significant issues of national interest, he can send his vice-presidents to visit governors and help them resolve their problems,” the statement quoted Sherzai as saying.

Balkh Governor Atta Mohammad Noor suggested governors should be given more authority. Bamyan Governor Habiba Sarabi sought special budget for people affected by natural disasters.

Karzai ordered the officials concerned to present him the suggestions and problems of the governors at the next Cabinet meeting.

Karzai also briefed the provincial chief executives on the regional situation, progress on the proposed strategic pact with the US and his recent trip to Pakistan.

frm/ma/mud

Visits: 1