ARTICLE 140-A, incorporated through the 18th Constitutional Amendment, constitutes an indispensable part of the framework of devolution and federalism. Drafted in mandatory terms, it imposes a binding obligation on the provinces to establish elected local governments (LGs) endowed with political, administrative and financial autonomy. Any attempt to retain control undermines both the letter and the spirit of the Constitution, and effectively ultra vires the constitutional mandate.

The persistent dysfunction in municipal governance is a foreseeable consequence of utter failure to devolve powers, funds and functions. Recent observations made by a federal minister highlighting structural governance weaknesses further underscore the need for grassroots empowerment.

Non-enforcement of Article 140-A is a constitutional non-compliance and erodes democratic accountability and the rule of law. Its faithful implementation is, therefore, not a matter of policy discretion, but a binding constitutional imperative. Article 140-A is not, and it cannot, remain dormant. There is an urgent need to devolve powers to local bodies. This is mandatory.

Shahid Sultan
Gujranwala

Published in Dawn, February 28th, 2026