QUETTA: Current local government structure should be given the freedom to build upon it and ensure public participation in true spirit. This will in turn play a significant role in strengthening democratic system and the institution of a more substantive, inclusive and pro-people democracy in Pakistan.
These views were expressed by speakers in a stakeholders’ dialogue on the Balochistan Local Government Act 2010. The dialogue was organized by Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) with the financial support of Freidrich NaumannQ Foundation for Freedom Pakistan (FNF Pakistan).
While in opening remarks Syed Raza Ali, Project Coordinator, CPDI urged the Provincial government to ensure the complete transfer of powers and empower local governments as per Article 140 (A) of the Constitution so that local bodies can involve in the decision-making process and provide better service delivery.
The provincial government should also constitute Provincial Finance Commission (PFC) Award, akin to the National Financial Commission, where the district should get funds from the divisible pool according to their population, area, and underdevelopment. Capacity development and training programs for newly elected local representatives should be introduced so that local government representatives can deliver according to people’s choices and requirements.
While addressing the seminar, Mr. Mukhtar Ahmed Ali, Executive Director of CPDI said that local government is the third tier of government. It is not the local bodies but a tier of government. It should have all the powers of a government. Developed countries have delegated powers and resources to local governments to increase service provision efficiency. It increases opportunities for citizens to engage in the policymaking processes of local governments which improves democratic efficiency. Appreciating the inclusion aspect, Mukhtar said that Balochistan stands out with respect to 33% women representation at local level compared to other provinces.
Mr. Dotain Baloch, Secretary Local Government Department Baluchistan said that though Article 140 A talk about the devolution of power at local level but there should be a chapter on Local governments in the constitution. It needs a chapter on definitions of the structure, powers and functions of the local government, just like there is one each for the federal government and the provincial governments.
Political leadership and provincial government is not against the local governments, and is committed to empower local governments. We have made 41 amendments in Baluchistan LG Act 2010 to make it more effective. We have made progress towards empowerment but still there is a need of improvement in overall governance structure of the country says, Dostain Baloch.
Mr. Alam Khan Baloch, Vice President PTI Balochistan said that Quetta metropolitan should be divided in three zones and there should be three metropolises instead of one. Municipal Corporation road is continuously being constructed and reconstructed is a clear case of corruption. Stakeholders need to raise voice on these issues said Alam.
Ms. Raheela Durrani, Former Speaker Balochistan Assembly stressed on the inclusion, equality and participation of all marginalized sections of society in electoral process at local level. Member Provincial Assembly Mr. Ahmad Nawaz appreciated the efforts of workers, especially female workers on ground and said that political worker is a backbone of a party therefore, they should be given preference while allotting tickets.
Senior journalist, Shahzada Zulfiqar emphasized on the role of political parties in sensitizing all the stakeholders to the empowerment of local governments. Parties should have separate wings for local governments. Syed Ehsan Shah, Deputy Director Local Government Cell, Election Commission of Pakistan, shed light on Balochistan’s local government election process.
He denied the notion that LG polls in Balochistan were delayed due to ECP. The commission started preparing for elections, delimitation, and conduct of elections soon after the completion of the LG term in 2019. ECP will conduct polls on reserved seats in December this year. ECP is ready to conduct elections in Quetta as soon as court decides on delimitation of Quetta remarked Ehsan.
Mr. Ali Ahmed Baloch, leader of National Party Balochistan stressed the importance of local governments as a nursery of production of local leadership. Ms. Jahan Ara, Deputy Secretary Women Development Department Balochistan stressed on the need of inclusion of women in politics on general seats. Former MPA Maulana Ameen Haqyar, Advocate Abid Kakar, President Quetta Bar Association, General Secretary Bar Association also addressed the dialogue.