ISLAMABAD: Policymakers, academics, civil society leaders, and legal experts on Monday unanimously emphasised the importance of empowered local governments to make Pakistan’s democratic dream a reality.

“Without functional and empowered local governments, Pakistan’s democratic dream remains incomplete,” they said in their comments on a book, “Local Government: Foundation of Democratic System,” launched at the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) and authored by Barrister Naseem Ahmed Bajwa.

Executive Director of SDPI, Dr Abid Qaiyum Suleri, opened the discussion by stressing that sustainable development and economic resilience are only achievable through a robust local government system.

“In the ongoing budget season, the absence of a Provincial Finance Commission (PFC) is a glaring issue. Without it, equitable distribution of resources remains a fantasy,” he said, underscoring that centralised control is a threat to inclusive progress.

Dr Suleri noted, “This is the spirit of democracy—to engage in debate, refine ideas, and present actionable solutions.”

Mr Naseem described the book as a tribute to the silenced voices of 250 million citizens lacking representation at the grassroots level.

“Europe’s development isn’t a miracle—it’s the power of strong local governance,” he declared. Citing Article 140-A and 32 of the Constitution, Bajwa labeled the current governance structure “unconstitutional” for failing to operationalise local government systems.

A progressive poet, Dr Humera Ashfaq, highlighted the historical instability of local governments in Pakistan but stressed their role in enabling development, inclusion, and conflict resolution. “Engaging local leadership is vital to reducing insurgency and alienation,” she said.

Mr Naseem revealed that despite contacting 1,000 former local government representatives, only three responded to his call for reform in negative.

“Political elites resist change for fear of losing control over the spoils of power,” he asserted.

Former Election Commission Secretary Kunwar Dilshad criticised provincial governments for sabotaging local polls, especially in Punjab and Islamabad.

“The most effective local governance model is in Indonesia, inspired by Pakistan’s own 1959 basic democracy system,” he said. He urged the Election Commission to issue a fresh schedule for local body elections.

Muzzafar Mahmood Qureshi, a former civil servant, praised the book’s accessible style and comprehensive scope.

He lamented the erosion of civic structures like mohalla committees and urged for a revival of civil society and meaningful women’s participation, recalling the now-defunct 33 percent representation benchmark.

Published in Dawn, May 13th, 2025