Baluchistan’s Path to Stability through Local Governance

Lahore (Monday, January 22, 2024): The Department of Sociology and Gender Studies of University of Home Economics hosted a book launch “The Case of Local Governments” by Salman Abid. The launching ceremony was attended by Prof. Dr. Shahid Muneer, Chairperson PHEC, Prof. Dr. Faleeha Zahra Kazmi, Dr. Amjad Magsi, Batool Rajput and author of the book Salman Abid.

Addressing the students, Dr. Shahid Munir underscored the pivotal role of local governments in Baluchistan, emphasizing their potential to ensure peace and development. He advocated for the devolution of powers to the local level, asserting that such a system promotes community participation in decision-making processes across Pakistan. Dr. Munir expressed the belief that implementing local government systems in Baluchistan could effectively address security concerns, contributing to the region’s overall stability.

Additionally, he highlighted the potential for enhancing revenue systems in major cities through the governance model of local governments across the provinces.

Dr. Faleeha Zahra Kazmi emphasized the administrative efficacy of local government structures in resolving citizen and rural population issues at the grassroots level.

Commending Salman Abid’s book, she noted its detailed examination of local government systems in developed countries, illustrating how such systems accelerate development work at the local level.

Salman Abid, the author, stressed the need for political parties to implement the Constitution of Pakistan, providing political representation to women. He highlighted the significance of local government systems as a solution to Pakistan’s developmental and administrative challenges.

Salman Abid reminded attendees that major political parties had previously agreed in 2006, as part of the Charter of Democracy, to implement the local government system in Article 10, though its effective implementation remained elusive.

Dr. Amjad Magsi, in his address, echoed the sentiment that centralized governance from Islamabad creates administrative challenges.

He called for immediate measures from the newly formed government after the upcoming elections to implement local governments in accordance with the Constitution, offering a solution to the burgeoning problems faced by Pakistan’s growing population.