Sir: Local government is the foundation for any democratic or constitutional state. It is a great irony that in our history, only military dictators have ever found it necessary to convene local bodies and hold local elections, while our parliamentarians have staunchly refused to do so. The roots of their aversion to local government lie in the feudal system, and the fact that many feudal families might see their power limited if local government becomes truly accountable to the people. However, they should realise that local government means a strengthening of systems from the grassroots up, and that local government, far from limiting their power, might add to their popularity if it becomes responsive to the needs of citizens. Feudal families, land owners and local politicians must move past looking at poor people in their constituencies as subjects, and instead see them as citizens with rights. That is the way to create prosperity for our country as a whole. RAZA ALI Karachi