Local Governments in Pakistan


Definition of Local Self Government

Local self-government refers to the political and administrative system in which the decision-making and governance functions are decentralized and transferred from the central government to local communities or entities. The idea behind local self-government is to bring governance closer to the people and make it more responsive to their needs and concerns.

Under local self-government, local authorities have the power to make decisions and take action on issues that directly affect their communities, such as the provision of public services, the management of local resources, and the regulation of economic activities. Local self-government is based on the principles of decentralization, democracy, and accountability, and is intended to empower communities and promote more effective and efficient governance.

Local self-government is a key aspect of democratic governance and is seen as a way to enhance the legitimacy of the political system and promote public participation in decision-making. It is also seen as a way to address the challenges of unequal development and improve the delivery of public services to communities.

Critique

The local government systems introduced by military rulers in Pakistan have been subject to criticism for various reasons.

Ayub Khan's Basic Democracies System (1959-69):

The Basic Democracies System was introduced by Ayub Khan in an attempt to bypass political parties and empower the masses directly. However, the system was seen as an attempt to centralize power and undermine democratic institutions. The system gave significant powers to military officers, bureaucrats, and local elites, who used their powers to maintain their grip on power and restrict the freedom of political opposition. Moreover, the elections under this system were widely perceived as rigged and lacked transparency, which further undermined its legitimacy.

Zia-ul-Haq's Islamization policies (1977-1988):

Zia-ul-Haq's regime saw the introduction of sharia law at the local level, which was seen as a way to undermine secular institutions and exert more control over the population. The Islamization policies were implemented by the military government, and political opposition was suppressed through censorship and the use of force. This contributed to the marginalization of minority communities, who felt that their rights and freedoms were being violated.

Pervez Musharraf's Devolution of Power Program (2000-2008):

Pervez Musharraf's Devolution of Power program aimed to transfer power from the central government to the local level. However, the program was criticized for being too centralized and lacking in accountability, with power remaining in the hands of the military and bureaucracy rather than being transferred to elected local officials. The devolution program also faced opposition from powerful vested interests, who saw it as a threat to their control over resources and political power. The lack of transparency and accountability in the program further undermined its legitimacy and contributed to its eventual failure.

Merits and Demerits of Local Government Systems

Political Era

Merits

Demerits

Ayub Khan's Basic Democracies System (1959-69)

- Aimed to bring governance closer to the people by empowering local communities. 

- Innovative ways to bypass political parties and directly involve the masses in the decision-making process.

- Criticized for being undemocratic and lacking transparency in elections.  

- Gave significant powers to military officers, bureaucrats, and local elites, who used it to maintain their grip on power. 

- Centralized power and undermined democratic institutions.

Zia-ul-Haq's Islamization policies (1977-1988)

- Introduction of sharia law at the local level is seen as a way to enforce moral values and maintain social order.

- Implemented by the military government, political opposition was suppressed through censorship and force. 

- Marginalized minority communities. 

- Undermined secular institutions, and exerted more control over the population.

Pervez Musharraf's Devolution of Power Program (2000-2008)

- Aimed to transfer power from the central government to the local level, making governance more responsive and accountable.

- Criticized for being too centralized and lacking accountability. 

- Power remained in hands of the military and bureaucracy rather than being transferred to elected local officials. 

- Opposed by powerful vested interests. 

- Lack of transparency and accountability further undermined its legitimacy and contributed to its eventual failure.


Suggesting Reading: 

  1. Local Government System in Pakistan (slideshare.net)
  2. Local Government System in Pakistan: A Historical Background (plhr.org.pk)
  3. Functions | Local Government and Community Development (punjab.gov.pk)
  4. 20220313065057pmwebology 19 (2) - 415 pdf.pdf


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