Political, Fiscal, and Administrative Neglect Undermine Local Governance in Pakistan

Shahzad Rasheed

Peshawar – Local governments are essential to the democratic architecture of any country. They facilitate citizen participation, enhance accountability, and ensure effective service delivery at the grassroots level. In Pakistan, however, this crucial tier remains underdeveloped and marginalized due to systemic constitutional, political, fiscal, and administrative neglect.

AwazCDS – Pakistan has conducted an in-depth study titled “Current Constitutional, Political, Administrative and Financial Status of Local Governments in Pakistan”, covering all four provinces and the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT). This press briefing highlights key findings and presents a reform agenda to strengthen democratic decentralization in Pakistan.

Despite the constitutional mandate under Article 140-A, local governments in Pakistan lack a dedicated framework defining their powers and protections, leaving them vulnerable to manipulation by provincial authorities. The 18th Amendment advanced provincial autonomy but excluded meaningful empowerment of the third tier. Political parties routinely promise decentralization in manifestos but fail to act once in power, instead centralizing control and delaying local elections. Fiscal constraints further weaken local bodies, as they receive minimal, non-transparent funding and have little authority to raise revenue, compounded by the absence of functioning Provincial Finance Commissions.

Mr. Khalfan Khattak, a senior local governance expert, noted, “The continued neglect of local governments is not just a failure of governance—it is a betrayal of democratic principles. Strengthening this tier is essential for inclusive development, citizen engagement, and sustainable service delivery.” Also, constitutional protection with a specified time frame is essential for strengthening local government across the country.

Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Qamar Naseem, a civil society activist, stated, “Without political will and a constitutional framework to protect local governments, democratic decentralization will remain a distant dream. Local bodies must be empowered financially and administratively, with regular elections and fixed terms that are not subject to political manipulation.”

In light of these findings, AwazCDS-Pakistan call on government for critical reforms, including the introduction of a dedicated constitutional framework that clearly defines the status, powers, and functions of local governments; translating manifesto commitments into actionable policies that ensure continuity of local governance regardless of political changes; the establishment of functioning Provincial Finance Commissions to provide fiscal empowerment and allow local governments the autonomy to raise and manage revenues; and the guarantee of regular and timely local elections through an independent framework, backed by legal safeguards against premature dissolution.

The future of Pakistan’s democratic system depends significantly on the strength and functionality of its local governments. It is time for meaningful action to uphold the spirit of Article 140-A and fulfil the promise of inclusive, accountable governance.