PAKISTAN STUDIES NOTES-GRADE 11th & 12th

Chapter # 3 – Administrative Structure of Pakistan and Good Governance

3.2   Local Governments in Pakistan

Provincial List of Powers

The provincial list outlines areas where provincial governments possess authority and jurisdiction. Here’s a brief description of the powers included in the provincial domain:

1. Laws Governing Marriage:
   • Provincial governments are responsible for enacting laws governing marriage, including matters related to marriage procedures and family issues such as divorce.

2. Labor and Manpower:
   • Matters concerning trade, employee unions, and labor issues within public and private sector institutions fall under provincial jurisdiction, excluding organizations administered by the federal government.

3. Educational Curriculums:
   • Education at all levels, from primary to university level, is under the purview of provincial governments as per the 18th Amendment.

4. Environmental Pollution:
   • This includes sanitation, solid waste management, and other matters related to environmental cleanliness, which are regulated by provincial authorities.

5. Police Force:
   • Decisions and administration related to the police force are the responsibility of provincial governments.

6. Sales Tax:
   • Provinces have the authority to impose and collect sales tax within their jurisdiction.

7. Archaeology and Culture:
   • Provincial governments are tasked with preserving historical and cultural records, including archaeological sites and artifacts.

8. Environment:
   • Matters concerning environmental protection and regulation are within the domain of provincial governments.

9. Health:
   • Similar to education, health is a provincial subject. Provincial governments are responsible for maintaining and regulating public sector hospitals and healthcare units. Regulations for private sector healthcare institutions are also administered at the provincial level.

10. Local Government and Rural Development:
    • Provinces have the authority to legislate on the structure of local government, conduct local body elections, and plan and implement development initiatives at the local level.

In addition to the powers listed above, matters such as population welfare, social welfare, special education, tourism, sports, youth affairs, Zakat, and Usher also fall under the jurisdiction of provincial governments. These powers empower provinces to address local needs and priorities effectively, promoting decentralization and autonomy in governance.Top of Form