LAILA SADAF
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) local bodies’ representatives, including mayors, chairmen, and councilors, have been protesting for the last three years against the Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) led provincial government. However, the previous three months saw a robust increase in these protests mostly resulting in baton charges, tear gas shelling and arrests of the representatives. Despite being elected in 2021 and 2022 under the two-tier local government system, these representatives claim that not a single rupee from their allocated development budget has been released, paralyzing essential municipal and social services across the province.
The local bodies are demanding the implementation of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Local Government Act, 2013, in its true spirit, including the formulation of Rules of Business, establishment of council offices, and operationalization of devolved departments. The situation has also resulted in delays in the salaries of municipal employees and growing local- level public grievances. Previous assurances by the government to address these issues have not been fulfilled, resulting in regular protest by the local bodies representatives, usually outside the provincial assembly, and road blockades.
KP government had initially released Rs3.6 billion in development funds in December 2024 but later withdrew them, reportedly, because the Chief
Minister wanted to distribute them within PTI-backed counselors. Of these funds, Rs3.2 billion was allocated to 51 tehsil councils out of 131, and Rs372 million to six tehsils of merged districts, mostly favouring PTI-affiliated representatives. This selective allocation led to accusations of discrimination and further fueled protests, including a demonstration outside Adiala Jail to draw the attention of PTI founder Imran Khan. The ongoing protests will continue until the local government representatives’ financial and legal demands are met. Local governments (LGs) are facing severe financial constraints that prevent them from carrying out their assigned responsibilities. Consequences of this financial squeeze are far-reaching. Basic services, such as sanitation, waste management, and infrastructure maintenance, suffer significantly. The inability of LGs to address these fundamental needs exacerbates existing socio-economic disparities and fuels public discontent. Moreover, the lack of financial autonomy undermines the very essence of local governance, hindering the empowerment of communities and the promotion of participatory development.
The issue is further compounded by the governance structure itself, the relationship between the provincial and local governments is often characterized by a lack of clarity and coordination. This ambiguity creates overlaps in responsibilities and hinders effective service delivery. Moreover, the capacity of LG officials to manage finances and implement development projects remains a concern. The absence of adequate training and technical support further exacerbates the problem.
The discontent among local government representatives is palpable. The underfunded Local Government representatives are planning to converge on the capital, highlighting the growing frustration with the current state of affairs. This protest underscores the urgency of addressing the financial and governance challenges facing KP’s local governments.
To efficiently address this complex dilemma, a multi-pronged approach is required. Firstly, the KP government must prioritize enhancing its revenue generation capacity. This can be achieved through streamlining tax collection mechanisms, expanding the tax base, and promoting investment in sectors with high revenue potential. Secondly, the government must implement robust measures to curb corruption and enhance transparency in public financial management. This includes strengthening internal audit systems, promoting e-governance initiatives, and ensuring accountability at all levels.
Thirdly, the provincial government must strengthen the financial autonomy of local governments. This can be achieved by increasing fund allocation, streamlining disbursement processes, and providing technical assistance to enhance their revenue generation capacity. Additionally, clear lines of authority and responsibility must be established between the provincial and local governments to ensure effective coordination and service delivery.
Finally, the capacity of local government officials must be enhanced through comprehensive training programs. These programs should focus on financial management, project planning, and service delivery. Furthermore, the government should invest in building robust monitoring and evaluation systems to track the progress of development projects and ensure accountability.
The dilemma of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa LGs requires urgent and concerted action. By prioritizing revenue generation, strengthening local governments and promoting citizen engagement, the province can pave the way for sustainable development and improved service delivery. Addressing these challenges is essential for the well-being of the people of KP. The province’s success hinges on a commitment to good governance, financial prudence, and a genuine dedication to serving the needs of its citizens.
