LAHORE: (Wednesday, November 4, 2026): PU VC Prof Dr. Muhammad Ali has said that a local government system is essential for improving governance and resolving people’s problems at the local level, particularly in the fields of education, healthcare, and transportation. He was addressing a round table discussion organized by the Pakistan Study Centre in collaboration with the Department of Political Science, Sangat Development Foundation, and WISE. The event was held on the topic “Reinforcing Elected Local Governments.” The ceremony was attended by Director General of the Local Government Department, Baneesh Fatima Sahi, Director Pakistan Study Centre Prof Dr. Amjad Abbas Khan Magsi, senior journalists Sohail Warraich, Salman Ghani, Salman Abid, experts Masood Mahmood Tamanna, Zahid Islam, Prof Dr. Rehana Saeed Hashmi, faculty members and students.

In his address, PU VC Prof Dr. Muhammad Ali emphasized the importance of local communities, stating that the election of local representatives benefits ordinary citizens. He said that Parliament must be persuaded to ensure the establishment of local governments. Without local governments, ordinary citizens cannot effectively participate in national-level representation. He further observed that the expansion of cities is creating additional problems for residents, and appropriate measures are needed to address these challenges. Senior journalist Sohail Warraich said that instead of focusing on debates about the creation of new provinces in Pakistan, efforts should be directed towards strengthening local governments. He stressed that, to strengthen the local government system, measures should be taken to ensure direct election. He added that the Union Council system has a history spanning approximately 150 years and that its benefits should be utilized. Salman Ghani appreciated PU VC Prof Dr. Muhammad Ali for organizing a discussion on such an important topic to highlight Pakistan's fundamental issues. He pointed out that although every political party includes the establishment of local governments in its manifesto, these commitments are rarely implemented in practice. He further stated that strong local governments are one of the major reasons why democracy flourishes in different parts of the world. He observed that a local councilor is often the person most sincerely connected with the local community. Salman Abid said that the 18th Constitutional Amendment provided provinces with powers that included strengthening local governments; however, these powers have not been properly exercised. He proposed that legislation should be introduced to make it mandatory for provinces to hold local government elections within 120 days. Baneesh Fatima Sahi stated that educational institutions have an important role to play in raising public awareness about local governments. She added that politicians and policymakers must also work together. Elected representatives should recognize that the absence of local governments negatively affects the social system. She emphasized that instead of replacing the existing local government system, it should be upgraded and improved. Prof Dr. Amjad Abbas Khan Magsi thanked the distinguished guests and speakers. He stated that establishing sustainable local governments requires collective efforts from all stakeholders, including parliamentarians, local representatives, political parties, and the bureaucracy. He added that the absence of elections at the local level is giving rise to various problems. He explained that the purpose of organizing the event was to educate young people about the importance of the local government system. Addressing the ceremony, Masood Mahmood Tamanna, Zahid Islam, Prof Dr. Rehana Saeed Hashmi, and other speakers also shared their views and discussed the topic in detail. The speakers agreed that the local government system is a valuable democratic concept that is essential for resolving people's problems at their doorsteps.