By Asim Shahzad
HomeNet Pakistan, in collaboration with AwazCDS/PDA, on Tuesday organized a consultative meeting to brief Members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs) on the status of local government elections, existing legal and policy gaps, and their role in advancing constitutional local governance in Punjab.
The meeting brought together MPAs, governance experts, civil society representatives and development practitioners, who underscored the need for timely local government elections, effective implementation of Article 140-A of the Constitution, and enhanced political, administrative and financial autonomy for elected local governments.
Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Fizzah Maimona, MPA, said empowered local governments were essential for democratic governance and urged the provincial government to implement constitutional provisions and ensure timely local government elections to strengthen grassroots democracy.
Ms. Rukhsana Kausar, MPA, emphasized that local governments must provide inclusive representation to women, youth, persons with disabilities, workers, farmers, minorities and transgender persons. She also called for greater authority for elected councillors, saying powers should not remain concentrated with chairpersons alone, as councillors are often the first point of contact for citizens seeking solutions to local issues.
Ms. Somia, MPA, stressed that financially and administratively empowered local governments are better positioned to respond to citizens’ needs. She said effective coordination between provincial and local institutions would improve transparency, accountability and service delivery.
Ms. Amra Khan, MPA, said local governments provide an important platform for women’s political participation and leadership. Strengthening local institutions, she added, would enhance inclusive governance and encourage greater public participation in democratic processes.
The participating women MPAs appreciated the leadership of the Chief Minister of Punjab and agreed that a stronger local government system would complement the provincial government’s development agenda. They also decided to meet the Chief Minister as a delegation to present recommendations emerging from the consultation and seek support for local government reforms.
Speaking on behalf of HomeNet Pakistan, Ms. Ume Laila Azhar, Executive Director, said the organization had been engaging policymakers, elected representatives and civil society through a series of consultations over the past two years to build consensus on local government reforms.
She stressed that implementing Article 140-A and holding local government elections without further delay were essential for strengthening democratic governance and improving citizens’ access to public services.
Governance expert Irfan Mufti said constitutional provisions relating to local governments should be implemented in both letter and spirit. He emphasized the need for transparency, accountability, evidence-based policymaking and continued consultation with citizens and civil society in developing an effective and inclusive local government system.
The participants urged the Punjab government to fulfill its constitutional obligation by holding local government elections at the earliest and introducing reforms that strengthen the political, administrative and financial autonomy of elected local governments.
