Former Federal Minister Calls for Decentralized Governance and People-Led Local Governments in Pakistan
LAHORE: Former Federal Minister Asad Umar, while speaking at a seminar of the Empowered People Movement at the Lahore Press Club, said that the governance problems in Pakistan are due to an overly centralized system, where public services are controlled by distant officials instead of representatives close to the people. Our goal is simple: a system where the people themselves govern.
He further stated that we are establishing a people-led national movement that will work for independent, empowered, and constitutionally secure local governments.
Justice Retired Shahid Jamil emphasized that if funds are invested in the people through local government, then the problems of the people will be resolved quickly, and the community will be empowered to solve issues at their doorstep. He criticized the presence of mostly uninspiring political parties in the country, which he says lack vision.
Responding to a question from a reporter of the daily Sahar, Justice Retired Shahid Jamil clarified that he is not launching any political party with local affiliations. He stated that his purpose in participating in the event was solely to express his views for the betterment of the local system and the people. He also mentioned that he has no desire to rejuvenate any political party.
He further added that local bodies should have direct authority over taxes, revenue, and budgets.
Senior journalist Sohail Warraich noted that for the improvement of the local system, the capacity of divisions and provinces should first be assessed to ensure they are capable of maintaining an effective local governance system.
Reported By: Political Reporter
