Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Session 9- Too powerful assemblies?

I believe we need devolution of power in Pakistan to the grass root level. As stated in the readings the function of assemblies is legislation, representation, scrutiny, political recruitment and legitimacy, however in Pakistan members of the National assembly have been given an additional task of carrying out developmental work in their respected constituencies. This task should be left to the local govt, with the task of development being carried out by mayors and councilors.

Not only will this help proliferate power to deeper levels but it will also reduce corruption and mal practice. In the incumbent set-up, parliamentarians are given large funds and they are free to use these funds, as they deem best. This results in concentrated development in certain areas, such as the one being witnessed in Lahore, whereas other areas such as South Punjab remain improvised.


It is unsurprising to note that the current rulers are unwilling to hand power over to the local govt. The last local govt elections occurred in 2005, under a military govt.

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