PAKISTAN STUDIES NOTES-GRADE 11th & 12th

Chapter # 3 – Administrative Structure of Pakistan and Good Governance

3.2.2.   Critique the Local Government Systems Introduced by the Military Rulers Ayub Khan, Zia-ul-Haq and Pervez Musharraf.

Local Governments in Pakistan

Critique of Local Government Systems introduced by Military Rulers

The local government systems introduced by military rulers Ayub Khan, Zia-ul-Haq, and Pervez Musharraf have played a significant role in shaping the governance structure of Pakistan. Let’s take a closer look at each of these systems and analyze their merits and demerits.

Ayub Khan’s Local Government System

• Merits:
  • Ayub Khan introduced a system of Basic Democracies, aiming to decentralize power and promote grassroot democracy.
  • Local bodies were established to address the needs of the community at the grassroots level.
  • It aimed to bring governance closer to the people and promote local development initiatives.

• Demerits:
  • The system was criticized for being top-down and undemocratic, with local representatives often appointed rather than elected.
  • The Basic Democracies System was criticized for being undemocratic and controlled by the military regime.
  • It limited political participation and marginalized opposition voices.
  • The system lacked genuine autonomy for local bodies, as power remained centralized with the military government.

Zia-ul-Haq’s Local Government System

• Merits:
  • Zia-ul-Haq introduced a system of Union Councils to empower local communities and improve service delivery.
  • The system aimed to enhance participation and representation of citizens in decision-making processes.

• Demerits:
  • Critics argue that the system was used to consolidate Zia’s power rather than truly empower local governments.
  • The Majlis-e-Shoora system was criticized for being undemocratic and lacking genuine representation.
  • It further centralized power in the hands of the military regime, diminishing the autonomy of local bodies.
  • The system faced opposition from secular and democratic forces, leading to political unrest and instability.

Pervez Musharraf’s Local Government System

• Merits:
  • Pervez Musharraf introduced the Devolution of Power Plan in 2000, aiming to decentralize authority and promote local governance.
  • Musharraf introduced a system of District Governments to devolve power to the local level and improve governance.
  • The system aimed to enhance accountability and transparency in local government operations.
  • The plan devolved administrative and financial powers to district and union councils, empowering local representatives.

• Demerits:
  • Some critics argue that the system concentrated too much power in the hands of the executive, limiting the autonomy of local governments.
  • The Devolution of Power Plan faced implementation challenges and inconsistencies across different regions.
  • There were concerns about the politicization of local government institutions and the influence of the military regime.
  • The system lacked sustainability and faced criticism for not fully empowering local bodies to address governance issues effectively.