The role of local governments in the political and socio-economic development of Pakistan

Abstract

Pakistan is a federal state, and an essential feature of federalism is decentralising power to the grassroots level in the shape of local governments. The primary objective of this study is to know about the role of local governments in Pakistan’s socio-economic and political development. Decentralisation of power plays an important role in political and socio-economic development as it helps people socialise politically and solve their underlying problems at their doorsteps. This system also directly brings socio-economic planning and developmental projects at village and street levels, leading to socio-economic development at the grassroots level. Conversely, the developmental projects only remain in the hands of the members of National and Provincial assemblies to whom very few people have access. Thus, only a distinctive class of society enjoys the benefits of developmental projects. It also brings politics to the grassroots level, therefore working as a nursery for future politicians, helping to end dynastic politics and strengthen democracy in Pakistan, a significant problem in the country and a leading cause of inefficiency in politics. Therefore, there must be an uninterrupted party-based local government system in Pakistan. This study is conducted on qualitative and descriptive methods.