Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stressed the urgent need to empower local governments to strengthen democratic governance in Pakistan. He said political parties have long neglected local bodies, weakening civilian rule.
The minister made these remarks on Saturday during a panel discussion titled “Devolution for Revolution” at ThinkFest, a political and literary festival.
Also attending the session were LUMS Vice Chancellor Ali Cheema, former State Bank governor Dr Ishrat Hussain, and former MPA Mary James Gill.
Asif noted that military rulers such as Ayub Khan, Ziaul Haq, and Pervez Musharraf stayed in power longer than civilian governments. He said this was largely because they introduced and relied on local government systems for political strength.
He admitted that civilian leaders failed to institutionalize local bodies, calling it “a political failure.” Asif added that local elections have historically been smoother and less controversial than national polls. Yet, they are often avoided.
The minister recalled that local governments were included in the Charter of Democracy signed by the PPP and PML-N in 2006. However, he said the 18th Constitutional Amendment did not fully implement this provision. Bureaucratic resistance also blocked the empowerment of grassroots representatives.
LUMS Vice Chancellor Ali Cheema highlighted the administrative and developmental role of local governments. He said local bodies are crucial for service delivery.
Cheema explained that developed countries rely heavily on local governments to provide basic services. In the United Kingdom, nearly 60% of development funds go through local bodies. In the United States, about 40% is allocated locally.
He said local governments deliver essential services such as water, sanitation, health care, and civic infrastructure. They also collect taxes and build citizens’ sense of ownership. “In Pakistan, the lack of strong local institutions has weakened both governance and citizen engagement,” he added.
Dr Ishrat Hussain addressed constitutional and fiscal reforms. He said the 18th Amendment clarified federal and provincial powers but left local government functions vague. This ambiguity creates ongoing political and administrative friction.
Hussain added that if municipal agencies such as the Lahore Development Authority and Water and Sanitation Agency were under elected mayors, local governments could become financially self-sufficient. This would improve efficiency and service delivery.
Mary James Gill stressed the social significance of local governments. She said they give people dignity and identity at the grassroots level. Local representatives connect citizens with decision-making processes.
Asif emphasized that dispersing power strengthens it, while concentrating power weakens it. He said functional local governments would allow citizens to elect empowered representatives and institutions directly. This would reduce dependence on bureaucracy.
The defence minister said empowering local governments would take governance closer to the people. Citizens could access services and participate in democracy at the community level.
