AwazCDS-Pakistan Organises A Multi-stakeholder Advocacy Consultation Session

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By Asim Shahzad

LAHORE: AwazCDS-Pakistan, in collaboration with HomeNet Pakistan, organized a multi-stakeholder advocacy consultation titled “Consultative Session with Multi Stakeholder Advocacy panel for advocacy on constitutional Administrative, Financial and Political Economy of Local Government in Pakistan” at Lahore. The session brought together Members of Parliament, provincial officials, legal experts, civil society representatives, and media to deliberate on the constitutional, administrative, financial, and political dimensions of local government in Pakistan, with a focus on timely elections and strengthening grassroots democracy.

The panel was moderated by Mr. Salman Abid (CEO, IDEA) and featured Mr. Zahid Islam (Punjab University), Mr. Azhar Diwan (PRMSC/LG), Mr. Sajid Ali (Sangat), Mr. Zulfiqar Ali Shah, MPA and Chairman Standing Committee on Agriculture (PML-N), Mr. Ahmer Bhatti, MPA and Chairman Standing Committee on Energy from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Ms. Sunble Malik Hussain (MPA), Mr. Farooq Ahmad Khan Khara, Director Local Government Punjab (LG&CD), and Ms. Asifa Khan, Director Parliamentary Development Unit.

Mr. Zia Ur Rehman, Chief Executive of AwazCDS-Pakistan, presented a reform roadmap emphasizing that executive authority must rest with elected representatives to protect the public mandate. He called for uninterrupted functioning of local governments, timely elections within a constitutional timeframe, devolution of core municipal functions, direct administrative control over local departments, and fiscal autonomy through an independent Provincial Finance Commission award. He stressed that local governments must be recognized as a constitutionally protected third tier of government, with provincial oversight playing a supportive rather than controlling role.

Mr. Zahid Islam provided an evidence-based comparison of the Punjab Local Government Act 2025, which repealed the Punjab Local Government Act 2022, and highlighted continuing legal uncertainty, as local governments currently function largely under arrangements aligned with the repealed Punjab Local Government Act 2013 framework. He noted concerns regarding internal selection of reserved seats, mandatory party affiliation requirements, expanded provincial oversight, and the postponement of elections after the Election Commission of Pakistan withdrew its notification for fresh delimitation. Participants also welcomed the recent resolution passed by a 100-member Local Government Caucus in the Punjab Assembly calling for further amendments to empower local bodies.

Mr. Zulfiqar Ali Shah emphasized that the Local Government Act of 2025, in its current form, fails to provide political, administrative, and financial autonomy to local governments. Therefore, he urged for immediate amendments through a transparent and inclusive legislative process. He further stated that a robust local government system is essential in today’s era; if the Punjab government is unwilling to implement such a system, it would be better to abandon it altogether to conserve time and resources in this ongoing debate.

Ms. Sumble Malik added that, rather than engaging in prolonged court proceedings, the Act should be discussed on the floor of the Provincial Assembly. This approach would lead to a concrete, democratic, and consensus-based resolution that enhances grassroots governance.

Mr. Ahmer Bhatti emphasized the need to rise above partisan constraints and ensure sincere implementation of laws in the national interest, urging stakeholders to avoid politicizing reforms and instead address governance gaps for the benefit of citizens and future generations.

Mr. Farooq Ahmad Khan Khara, Director Local Government Punjab (LG&CD) Local governments will function effectively and deliver meaningful public services only when they are granted genuine political, administrative, and financial autonomy ensuring elected representatives have decision-making authority, control over local administration, and independent access to sustainable financial resources. We have established a dedicated portal to ensure transparency, where all financial transactions will be publicly reflected and accessible for monitoring and accountability.

The panel discussion concluded with unanimous agreement among political leadership and civil society representatives to reject the Local Government Act 2025 in its current form and to demand its immediate amendment. The participants emphasized that the Act does not adequately ensure political, administrative, and financial autonomy for local governments, which is essential for effective grassroots governance.

Stakeholders appreciated that political parties have initiated dialogue among themselves regarding the Act and are considering legal action, including approaching the court. However, the collective recommendation emerging from the discussion was that, instead of pursuing prolonged litigation, the matter should be formally debated on the floor of the Provincial Assembly to achieve a concrete and consensus-based resolution.

The panel strongly recommended that the Provincial Assembly take ownership of the issue through open debate, inclusive consultation, and necessary legislative amendments to ensure that the Local Government framework aligns with democratic principles and constitutional requirements

Mr. Zia concluded the session with vote of thanks and appreciation for the HomeNet Pakistan. He also said we must appreciate our politicians and their political wisdom. The session concluded with a collective call for democratic continuity, administrative autonomy, and fiscal independence of local governments in Punjab, followed by closing remarks from AwazCDS-Pakistan and a networking Iftaar.