ISLAMABAD, May 12 (Alliance News): A powerful plea for decentralization and strengthened local governance reverberated through the halls of the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) during the launch of “Local Government: Foundation of Democratic System”, authored by Barrister Naseem Ahmed Bajwa.
The event gathered policymakers, academics, civil society leaders, and legal experts who unanimously agreed that without empowered and functional local governments, Pakistan’s democratic structure remains incomplete.
Dr. Abid Qaiyum Suleri, Executive Director of SDPI, emphasized that sustainable development and economic resilience cannot be achieved without robust local governance. “The lack of a Provincial Finance Commission (PFC) makes equitable resource distribution impossible,” he said, calling centralized control a barrier to inclusive progress.
Author Barrister Naseem Ahmed Bajwa said the book is dedicated to the 250 million citizens deprived of grassroots representation.
He termed Pakistan’s governance “unconstitutional” for failing to implement Article 140-A and 32 of the Constitution. “Europe developed through strong local governance—not miracles,” he remarked.
Prof. Dr. Humera Ashfaq noted the historical instability of local governments in Pakistan but stressed their critical role in development, inclusion, and conflict resolution. “Local leadership reduces insurgency and alienation,” she said.
Syed Kaleem Imam, former IGP and National Coordinator for UNAIDS, drew global contrasts. “Germany and Japan succeeded in crises due to active local systems, while Haiti and Iraq failed under centralization,” he noted. He also criticized the absence of a local government in Islamabad.
Former civil servant Muzzafar Mahmood Qureshi praised the book’s accessibility and scope, calling for revival of civic platforms like mohalla committees and reinstating the 33% quota for women’s representation.
Kunwar Dilshad, former Secretary of the Election Commission, lauded Indonesia’s local governance model, inspired by Pakistan’s 1959 basic democracy system. He urged the ECP to promptly issue a fresh local body election schedule.
During the Q&A, Barrister Bajwa revealed that of 1,000 former local representatives he contacted, only three opposed reform—highlighting resistance from political elites fearing loss of control.
Dr. Suleri concluded the session affirming that SDPI would forward the event’s recommendations to the Election Commission of Pakistan. “This is the spirit of democracy—to debate, refine, and act,” he said.
