Local Governments, Why?

  Local government is a quiet buzzing word in Pakistan. A few are aware of its true viability. It is a system of devolution of power to the lowest level which has been working for the welfare of common people for centuries. The setup can change the despensation in Pakistan through multiple ways.

 At the governance level, the devolution will empower a common citizen. He/she will do not have to visit MLA/MPA to highlight issues of sewerage, sanitation, and other local problems.

  It means the issues will be resolved at the local level, the standard of life of people will improve and the society will get rid of many social problems. For instance, if the people get maximum facilities and opportunities of spending happy life at their village level, the rate of urbanization, migration, and street crimes will be lower.

  Similarly, effective local governments will also narrow down the sense of otherness and alienation among marginalized sections of society. People will opt for inclusive activities - dialogue, consensus, and agreement- over extractive ones like extremism, separatism, and terrorism.

 Then, the empowerment will also nurture a strong democratic culture. Greater  involvement in politics at grassroot level will inculcate democratic norms among masses and sqeeze space for the interference of non political contestants.

  In addition to this, there will be no scarcity of capable leadership options with the  flourishement of the local goverments. When a politician with rich experience in managing affairs at the union, tehsil, and district council will get a chance at the provincial or national level, he will be more wise, prudent, and rational in policy making.

 The true decentralization can also help in building strong international relations. As the top brass will be free from local assignments, they will have more time to think and manage interstate ties.

  In simple words, the establishment of local governments is not merely a name of political activity,  as we are witnessing. Rather, it can be a game-changer for the country. The need is to develop consensus and strong political will at the top teir for bringing well devised constitutional changes to make local representatives a true stakeholder .