Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warned that the failure of local governments has become a “national crisis” in Pakistan. Speaking in the National Assembly, he criticised the continued concentration of authority in provincial capitals. He said the proposed 28th Constitutional Amendment, aimed at empowering local governments, had to be withdrawn despite political consensus.
Asif argued that the 18th Amendment, designed to devolve power, failed to empower citizens at the grassroots. Most authority remains in provincial capitals, leaving districts and cities without meaningful governance structures or decision-making powers. He said functional local governments are urgently needed in Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, and Quetta.
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The minister cited a recent fire in Karachi as a wake-up call. He said the incident exposed gaps in accountability, noting that empowered local representatives could have ensured faster response and responsibility. He warned that without grassroots empowerment, even parliament risks losing its relevance.
Asif highlighted that military rulers such as Ayub Khan, Zia-ul-Haq, and Pervez Musharraf had stronger local government systems with regular elections. In contrast, civilian governments hesitate to devolve authority. He also referenced China’s governance model, emphasizing structured local leadership development.
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Concluding his address, Asif stressed that a strong and empowered local government system is essential for service delivery, accountability, and public participation. He urged lawmakers to pass a meaningful constitutional amendment to give citizens real power and protect their rights.