Local governments vital for grassroots democracy, says Speaker Punjab Assembly
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By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan addressed a seminar organized by the National School of Public Policy (NSPP) on the theme “Local Governance: Need of the Hour,” stating that Pakistan is a federal parliamentary republic where powers are constitutionally distributed between the federation and the provinces. Following the 18th Constitutional Amendment, local governments have emerged as the tier of governance closest to the people, translating democratic principles into everyday practice. The event was attended by former Federal Minister Khurram Dastgir, Dr. Naveed Elahi, Dean NSPP, along with researchers, authors, and a large number of participants.
Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan stated that democracy is government of the people, by the people, and for the people, ensuring citizens’ rights, freedoms, and participation in governance. In this context, he quoted Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who stated that “Democracy is in the blood of the Muslims, who believe in equality, fraternity, and liberty.” He emphasized that local government represents a democratic covenant under which decisions about a community’s future should be made within that community by those who best understand its needs, challenges, and aspirations.
Referring to Articles 140-A and 32 of the Constitution of Pakistan, the Speaker noted that the Constitution obligates provinces to establish local governments, devolve political, administrative, and financial authority to elected representatives, and ensure timely elections. He further highlighted the constitutional responsibility to provide special representation to peasants, workers, and women in local institutions. He added that democracy becomes meaningful only when every citizen has a voice in shaping development priorities.
The Speaker observed that local governments are responsible for municipal services, local infrastructure, enforcement of local laws, collection of taxes and fees, and management of public assets. When authority is devolved directly to communities, he said, streets become cleaner, roads are improved, water supply reaches households, birth certificates are issued locally, minor disputes are resolved at the grassroots level, and youth are provided opportunities for leadership and civic engagement—thus transforming democracy from a distant concept into a lived reality.
Highlighting the challenges faced by local governments, Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan stated that financial autonomy remains a significant issue. Delays in the release of funds, particularly during emergencies such as floods, hinder timely decision-making and implementation. However, he cautioned that complete financial autonomy without transparency and accountability may lead to corruption.
The Speaker also shed light on recent initiatives in Punjab, stating that the Standing Committee on Local Government and Community Development in the Punjab Assembly is playing an active role, and for the first time, a cross-party Local Government Caucus has been established. He noted that the Punjab Local Government Bill 2025 has been introduced to strengthen local governments as an effective third tier of governance. Furthermore, the Local Government and Community Development Department is implementing initiatives such as the “Suthra Punjab” campaign and the “Sarkain Bahal, Punjab Khushhal” project. He also termed the ‘Awaz-e-Khalq’ online complaint portal a significant step toward enhancing public accountability.
Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan concluded by stating, “Whenever local governments are active, communities thrive; when they are suspended, people suffer.” He reaffirmed his commitment to building a Pakistan where every Union Council, municipality, and district is empowered, well-resourced, and accountable; where governance is built from the grassroots rather than imposed from above; and where citizens are not merely recipients of services but active partners in development. He emphasized the need for transparency, accountability, decentralization of power, technological advancement, and institutional reforms, and thanked the; organizers at the end of the event.
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