By: Shahid Jan
PESHAWAR: The parliamentary leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assembly, Ahmed Kundi, has submitted a significant resolution to the provincial assembly secretariat aimed at strengthening and ensuring the independence of the local government system.
The resolution proposes an amendment to Article A-140 of the Constitution of Pakistan to grant full political, administrative, and financial autonomy to local governments. Kundi’s resolution emphasises that while the 1973 Constitution requires provinces to establish local governments and delegate powers, the local government system in Pakistan remains hindered by a lack of continuity, resources, and autonomy.
The resolution highlights that several Supreme Court rulings have recognised local governments as a vital part of the state structure. However, the frequent dissolution of these institutions and unstable legislation have hampered their effectiveness.
Kundi has called for a clear definition of the roles and responsibilities of local governments to be incorporated into the Constitution. He also proposed that new elections should be constitutionally mandated within 90 days of the dissolution or completion of a local government’s term.
Additionally, the resolution suggests it should be mandatory to hold meetings of newly elected local bodies within 21 days of the election results being announced. It also proposes that amendments to local laws should require a two-thirds majority to ensure the sustainability of the system. Lastly, the resolution recommends the addition of a new chapter titled “Local Governments” in the Constitution.
