Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser has stressed the need to bring the rural areas at par with the developed areas of the country to ensure national development.

In his meeting with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Local Government and Rural Development Kamran Khan Bangash in Islamabad today (Friday), the Speaker said that strengthening of local bodies is essential for the promotion of democracy in the country.

He said local bodies can play a vital role in providing basic services and speedy justice to the people.

Asad Qaiser said in line with the Prime Minister's vision, steps will be taken for the devolution of power at the grassroots level.

He said the historical sites and cultural heritage in the province are valuable assets of the country and special attention should be paid to their protection and renovation of historical sites.