Experts call for stronger autonomy transparency in Balochistan’s Local Governments

QUETTA, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Mar, 2026) A consultative session on the constitutional, administrative, financial, and political autonomy of local governments in Balochistan was organized by Health and Rural Development (HARD) with the support of the Awaz Centre for Development Services.

The session brought together multi-stakeholders and an advocacy panel to discuss challenges and reforms needed for effective local governance.

Farooq Tareen, Additional Secretary Local Government Balochistan, explained that local governments manage municipal services such as water supply, sanitation, waste management, street lighting, and local road maintenance through district councils, municipal committees, and union councils. He noted that while administrative autonomy enables representatives to address community needs, provincial bureaucracy still exercises significant control.

Chief Officer Local Government, M. Ali Satakzai highlighted that local governments can prepare their own budgets and development plans. However, he said financial resources largely depend on the Provincial Finance Commission (PFC) and provincial grants, leaving local bodies reliant on provincial funding.

Sakina Abdullah, leader of PPP emphasized that local governments strengthen grassroots democracy by allowing citizens to elect mayors, chairmen, and councillors.

She said political participation and accountability improve through regular elections, but provincial interference and delays often weaken political autonomy.

President of BUJ, Manzoor Ahmed added that the 18th Constitutional Amendment placed greater responsibility on provinces to establish effective local government systems and promote decentralization of power.

Abdul Bari explained that local governments regulate municipal matters such as building control, urban planning, and rural development, with union councils serving as the closest administrative units to the public.

Saleem Shahid, senior journalist, raised concerns about misuse of authority, citing mismanagement of development funds, nepotism in appointments, and non-transparent contracts. He stressed that weak monitoring and lack of transparency allow corruption to persist in some local government institutions.

Advocate A. Hayee (NCRC) discussed the Safa Quetta Project, aimed at improving waste management in the city. He noted that while door-to-door garbage collection has begun in some sectors, many areas remain uncovered.

Participants collectively stressed the need for stronger autonomy, transparency, and accountability to ensure effective local governance and improved service delivery in Balochistan.