Civic problems in Pakistan have been growing steadily instead of diminishing, as one might expect in a developing country or a state undergoing gradual development. This persistent deterioration has led to the emergence of numerous challenges and, in many cases, social and political conflicts across the country.
The primary cause of this troubling situation lies in the chronic lack of good governance at the most basic policy and administrative levels. Among other contributing factors, weak governance has also been a direct consequence of an ineffective and fragile local government system that has failed to deliver meaningful results for citizens.
At present, elected local government institutions in different provinces have either completed or are about to complete their respective tenures. In Punjab, local governments completed their term as far back as 2021, yet no elections have been held since then, despite the clear constitutional requirement to conduct local government elections within 120 days of the expiry of the previous bodies. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), local governments in the plain areas and mountainous regions are set to complete their four-year tenure in March and June respectively. In Balochistan, local governments are expected to complete their term in June 2026, while in the provincial capital Quetta, the government has been continuously delaying elections that are long overdue, mainly under the pretext of ward delimitation. In Sindh, local governments have been functioning since the last municipal elections held in January 2023.
It is worth noting that the current local government set-up in provinces, except Punjab, represents a continuation of previous systems. However, despite this continuity, local government bodies have not evolved into strong, effective institutions in any province to make a tangible impact. There are multiple reasons behind this ineffectiveness and incapacity, ranging from weak leadership, lack of personal competence, and administrative loopholes to systemic constraints and insufficient financial authority. Nevertheless, the most critical factor undermining local governments has been the vested interests of political parties, which have consistently resisted allowing municipal institutions to flourish in their respective provinces and strongholds.
As a result, political parties in power have shown reluctance not only in holding local government elections but also in granting these bodies meaningful administrative and financial autonomy. History shows that provincial governments, regardless of party affiliation, have often announced local government election schedules unwillingly and only after significant delays, even in defiance of Supreme Court of Pakistan (SCP) orders. It was only through strong judicial intervention that elections were eventually conducted. Prior to that, political parties had collectively passed “unanimous” resolutions in both the National Assembly and the Senate seeking to defer local body elections, citing various excuses for postponing what they termed a massive administrative exercise.
Holding local government elections is a constitutional obligation for both the provinces and the federation, leaving no room for discretion or delay. Yet, past and present governments at both levels have consistently attempted to postpone these elections, as seen once again in Punjab. Only after countless hearings and legal arguments before the Supreme Court were the provinces left with no alternative but to announce election schedules.
The reality is that political parties are neither willing nor enthusiastic about holding local government elections due to the fear of losing administrative control and the perks and privileges that come with centralized authority. Parties currently in power across the provinces believe that a strong local government system could weaken their grip, as most lack robust grassroots organizational structures. Whether it is the PPP, PML-N, PTI, MQM, ANP, PkMAP, BNP, or others, the driving force behind these parties remains their top leadership rather than strong institutional frameworks. This has prevented them from emerging as genuinely democratic political entities with coherent ideologies. It is also noteworthy that most of these parties, with the exception of PTI and MQM, operate under family-based leadership structures.
Consequently, supporting a truly empowered local government system is seen by political elites as surrendering power from their own hands, something they are unwilling to accept. This mindset is deeply rooted in the conservative nature of Pakistani society and its entrenched undemocratic norms and values. Such an environment discourages political leadership from decentralizing authority. This also reflects the political immaturity of parties that fail to understand the true value of devolution of power and resources through local governance.
The people of Pakistan must evaluate the democratic and political credentials of parties based on these standards. Citizens should recognize that only genuinely democratic and liberal political parties—judged by their actions rather than rhetoric—can guarantee both public welfare and national development. Ironically, parties that have long championed provincial autonomy and decentralization from the centre have consistently refused to devolve power further to local tiers within their own provinces once in office.
Local government institutions and systems are the backbone of a true democratic culture and political order. Devolved governance structures enable maximum participation by the largest number of citizens and are best positioned to identify and address local development and service delivery needs. In doing so, they uphold the time-tested democratic principle of ensuring the greatest good for the greatest number.
As the saying goes, a politician thinks of the next election, while a statesman thinks of the next generation. At this critical juncture, when separatist and militant tendencies threaten the very survival of the state and its constitutional framework, Pakistan needs statesmanship rather than narrow political maneuvering. Either political leaders must rise to this challenge or step aside. Provinces must urgently reform their local government laws and systems, which have so far failed to meet citizens’ basic municipal needs. Karachi’s ongoing garbage crisis is a glaring example. For meaningful change, financial and administrative powers must be fully devolved to local governments without delay.