QUETTA (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 15 Mar, 2026) Health and Rural Development (HARD) organized a consultative session on constitutional, administrative, financial and political independence of local governments in Balochistan with the support of Awaz Center for Development Services.
The session brought together multiple stakeholders and an advocacy committee to discuss the challenges and reforms needed for effective local governance.
Farooq Tareen, Additional Secretary, Local Government, Balochistan, explained that local governments manage municipal services such as water supply, sanitation, waste management, street lighting and local road maintenance through district councils, municipal committees and union councils. He noted that while administrative independence enables representatives to meet community needs, the regional bureaucracy still exercises significant control.
The most prominent local government official, Eng. Ali Satakzai, said that local governments can prepare their own budgets and development plans. However, he said finances depend largely on the Provincial Finance Commission and regional grants, leaving local bodies dependent on provincial funding.
Sakina Abdullah, leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party, stressed that local governments work to strengthen grassroots democracy by allowing citizens to elect mayors, mayors and council members.
She said political participation and accountability improve through regular elections, but interference and delays in the provinces often weaken political independence.
EU President Manzoor Ahmed added that the 18th Constitutional Amendment placed greater responsibility on provinces to create effective local government systems and promote decentralization of power.
Abdel-Bari explained that local governments regulate municipal matters such as construction control, urban planning, and rural development, with union councils acting as the closest administrative units to the public.
Saleem Shahid, a senior journalist, raised concerns about abuse of power, citing mismanagement of development funds, favoritism in appointments, and opaque contracts. He stressed that weak oversight and lack of transparency allow corruption to continue in some local government institutions.
Discussed by lawyer A. Hi (NCRC) Safa Quetta A project aimed at improving waste management in the city. He noted that while door-to-door garbage collection has begun in some sectors, many areas are still not covered.
Participants collectively stressed the need for stronger independence, transparency and accountability to ensure effective local governance and improve service delivery in Balochistan.