Session highlights need for stronger Local Governments in Balochistan

QUETTA, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Jul, 2026) Health and Rural Development (HRD), with the support of Awaz Centre for Development Services, successfully organized the Second Consultative Session with a Multi-Stakeholder Advocacy Panel to promote dialogue on the constitutional, administrative, financial, and political autonomy of local governments in Balochistan.

The session brought together government officials, elected representatives, legal experts, media professionals, civil society organizations, and development practitioners to discuss challenges and recommendations for strengthening democratic decentralization and improving public service delivery.

The consultation began with welcoming remarks by Mr. Zia, who emphasized the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders to build an effective, transparent, and accountable local government system.

He noted that empowered local governments are essential for inclusive development, responsive governance, and sustainable democratic institutions.

Following introductions, Ms. Maryam from Awaz Centre for Development Services delivered a presentation on the constitutional evolution of local governments in Pakistan, their legal framework, institutional structure, and the importance of administrative, financial, and political autonomy.

Speaking on financial autonomy, Mr. Imdad explained that local governments prepare their own budgets and development plans, while financial allocations are made through the Provincial Finance Commission.

However, he observed that local governments remain heavily dependent on provincial transfers due to limited local revenue generation, reducing their financial independence and delaying community development projects.

He stressed the need for stronger fiscal decentralization and improved local revenue mechanisms.

Addressing administrative autonomy, Mr. M. Ali highlighted the responsibility of district councils, municipal committees, and union councils in delivering essential municipal services, including water supply, sanitation, waste management, street lighting, road maintenance, and community development. He noted that although the legal framework grants administrative authority, excessive provincial control continues to limit operational independence.

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Speaking on political autonomy, Ms. Mehreen Khan emphasized that elected local representatives play a vital role in strengthening democracy, public participation, and accountability.

She stated that regular local government elections are essential for effective governance but pointed out that political interference and institutional weaknesses continue to undermine local government performance.

Discussing the constitutional framework, Mr. Behram from ptv news highlighted the significance of the Eighteenth Constitutional Amendment, which obligates provincial governments to establish effective local government systems and devolve powers to elected institutions.

He said the Provincial Assembly has an important responsibility to ensure functional and representative local governance.

Representing the Local Government Department, Mr. M. Naser outlined the responsibilities of local governments in municipal regulation, urban planning, rural development, and coordination with provincial departments.

He also emphasized that reserved seats for women, youth, and minorities strengthen inclusive governance and democratic participation.

Presenting a critical perspective, Mr. Inayat highlighted governance and accountability challenges, including corruption, weak oversight, poor financial management, political patronage, and lack of transparency in development projects.

He called for stronger accountability mechanisms, independent oversight, and greater citizen participation to restore public confidence in local institutions.

Concluding the session, Mr. Zia thanked all speakers, participants, partner organizations, and stakeholders for their valuable contributions.

He reaffirmed HRD's commitment to promoting evidence-based advocacy, inclusive policy dialogue, and continued collaboration to strengthen local governance and democratic decentralization across Balochistan.

The session concluded with a vote of thanks and a shared commitment to advancing stronger, more responsive, and accountable local government institutions.