Lecture # 10

Democracy
Types of democracy
impact of democracy in Pakistan
democracy and people
Democracy
 Democracy refers to a political system
in which government is form by the
people, exercised either directly or
through elected representative.
Democracy
 Democracy means people-power or rule
by the people. The idea came from the
ancient Greeks who combined the words
demos (people) and krates (rule) to create
the term.
What is Democracy?
 Democracy is a form of government where all
eligible citizens have an equality in the decisions
that affect their lives.
 According to Abraham Lincoln Democracy means a
government elected of the people, for the people, to
the people
 In a democratic government, the people's views
influence the laws and decisions made by the
government.
What is Democracy?
 Democracy improves the quality of
decision making.
 Democracy enhances the dignity of
citizens.
 Democracy provides a method to deal with
Differences and conflicts.
History of Democracy
 Democracy in ancient times
 Around 2500 years ago in Ancient Greece, the
people of the city-state of Athens developed a
way of making decisions that was different
from the autocratic ways of the past.
 Ancient Greece Athens was the first city state
to allow ordinary citizens access to
government offices and courts.
Democracy in the Middle
Ages
 The Middle Ages was a period of European history
from fall of the Roman Empire (476 AD) until the fall
of Constantinople in 1453 AD. It is also known as
the Dark ages.
 Although there was not a democracy directly in
place the Middle Ages, Christianity was widely
followed and so many democratic ideas were
understood and followed by many of the people.
Christianity taught that all men were created equal.
Modern Democracy
 Democracies developed throughout the 20th century.
 Democracies have resulted from wars, revolutions,
decolonization and economic circumstances. The number
of democracies continues to grow and it has been
speculated that this trend may continue in the future to
the point where democratic nation-states become the
standard form of human society.
 Throughout history, democracies have been the
exception rather than the norm. In the present day world,
about 60 percent of the world's nations are democracies.
Other nations have rulers assigned by heredity or have
used the military to take leadership by force or rule by
wealth.
Types of Democracy

 Direct - ALL people vote on ALL decisions

 Representative - people vote for elected

officials to vote on issues for them.

Direct Democracy

 • We vote on issues directly.

 • Advantage: people have all the power.
 • Disadvantages:
 • uninformed people vote on issues
 • only works in small groups.
Representative Democracy

 People elect officials to make decisions for

them and propose laws.
 • Advantage: people can choose experts
to
make and carry out decisions.
 Disadvantage: leaders may not represent

people’s interests
Direct or Representative?

People Laws

 Direct
Direct or Representative?

People Laws
Representatives

 Representative
Representative Democracy

 People elect officials to make decisions for

them and propose laws.
 • Advantage: people can choose experts
to
make and carry out decisions.
 Disadvantage: leaders may not represent

people’s interests
Presidential Democracy

 The executive leader “the president” is voted

directly by the people • The executive is
separate of the legislative branch.
 The people also vote directly for representatives
in
the legislative branch.
 The President appoints members of the cabinet
and the Supreme Court.
Parliamentary Democracy
 Representatives of the legislative branch are
voted for directly by the people.
 The legislative branch then appoints the

“Prime Minister” who is similar to the President in

the Presidential Democracy.
 The Prime Minister appoints members of the
cabinet and the Supreme Court..
FEATURES OF DEMOCRACY
 In a democracy the final decision making power
must rest with those who elected by the people.
 A democracy must be based on a free and fair
election where those currently in power have a
fair chance of losing.
 In a democracy, each adult citizen must have
one vote and each vote must have one value.
 A democratic government rules within limits sets
by constitutional law and citizen’s right.
Prerequisites of democracy.
 Democracy grows and flourishes in those
societies where there is an educated and
sensible electorate, sincere and capable
leadership, sound economy, middle class
representation in legislative assemblies, a
tolerant society, organized mainstream political
parties, free media (both print and electronic),
social justice, tolerance in the political parties,
freedom of expression, strong opposition, and a
non-discriminatory society etc.
MERITS OF DEMOCRACY
 A democratic government is a better government
because it is a more accountable form of
government.
 Democracy improves the quality of decision
making.
 In a democracy no one is a permanent winner or
loser.
 Democracy is better than other forms of
government because it allows us to correct its
own mistakes.
DE MERITS OF DEMOCRACY
 Leaders keep changing in a democracy. This
leads to instability.
 Democracy is all about political competition
and power play. There is no scope for
morality.
 Elected leaders do not know the best interest
of the people. It leads to bad decisions.
 Democracy leads to corruption for it is based
on electoral competition.
 As noted elsewhere democracy is of two kinds. One is
direct democracy and the other is indirect democracy.
 The chief direct democratic devices are :
DEVICES
1. Initiative OF THE DIRECT DEMOCRACY
2. Referendum
3. Recall
 The devices are followed by Switzerland, which practices
direct democracy. They are followed in some other
countries also. However, they have not been successful.
 Initiative is a method, which enables the voters to bring
to the notice of the government of the need to bring in
legislation in any subjects on which the government has
Initiative
not enacted a law.
 There are certain procedures prescribed and minimum
requirement to be fulfilled for initiative. One of the
important conditions is that a minimum of 50,000 votes
should submit a bill asking the government to enact a
law of the choice of the voters.
 Government may or may not accept, because this
proposal of the people should have the support of the
majority of the voters of the nation.
 Referendum is a procedure according to which laws
enacted by the national parliament are referred to
acceptance of the electors.
Referendum :
 Electors may accept or reject the enactment. If the
electors accepted the enactment it will become a law.
Referendum is of two kinds. One is compulsory
referendum and the second is optional referendum. For
this also there are certain procedures to be followed.
 In democracies voters elect their representatives in the
elections to various bodies such as legislatures, local self
– government, councils and a few governing agencies.
Recall
 : these representative hold offices for the
Once elected
entire duration of the life of the body concerned.
Representatives sometimes do not perform their duties
and discharge their responsibilities.
 If the electors are not happy, with their representative they
cannot compel them to do the same. They have to wait till
the next elections to remove such members from office.
Therefore a demand has arisen for removing such
representatives and electing new faces in their place.
 This method of removing the representatives before the
completion of their terms and electing new persons is
called the method of “Recall”. This is practiced in some
Recall :
countries the Switzerland and the United States of
America.
 The first rule of democracy is to Elect the Leader of
people’s choice through transparent elections, but in
Pakistan condition is quite different.
 • In Pakistan people elect one leader but there come

HISTORY
another leader OF DEMOCRACY IN
 • First Democratic Rule (1988-1990): Pakistan Peoples
PAKISTAN
Party won
 • Second Democratic Rule (1990-1993): PML(N) Won
 • Third Democratic Rule (1993-1996): Pakistan
Peoples Party
 • Fourth Democratic Rule (1997-1999): PML(N) Won
 (2008-2013): Pakistan Peoples Party Won
 (2013-2018): PML(N) Won
 (2018): PTI Won
HISTORY OF DEMOCRACY IN
PAKISTAN
 PERIODS OF DICTATORSHIP
IN PAKISTAN
 • General Ayyub Khan from 1958 to 1969.
 • General Muhammad Yahya Khan from 1969 to 1971.
 • General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq from 1977 to 1988.
 • General Pervez Musharraf from 1999 to 2008.
DISTINGUISH BETWEEN DEMOCRATIC AND
NON DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT
 Army interference
 Corruption
 Royal style of politicians
 Abuse of powers
WHY DEMOCRACY
Lack of accountability FLOPS IN
PAKISTAN
 Right to equality :
 Right to freedom :
 Protection of Life and Personal Liberty
 Right against Exploitation :
 Right to Freedom of Religion :
Fundamental Rights
 Cultural and educational Rights :
 Right To Constitutional Remedies :
1.To abide by the constitution and respect its ideals and
institutions, the national flag and national anthem.
2. To cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our
national struggle for freedom.
3. To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity
of India.
4. To defend the country and render national service when
Fundamental
called upon to do so.
Duties
5. To promote harmony and the spirit of common
brotherhood amongst all the people of India transcending.
religious, linguistic and regional or sectional diversities and
renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women.
 Fundamental Duties
6. To value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture.
7. To develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform.
8. To protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers
and wild life, and to have compassion for living creatures.
9. To safeguard public property and to abjure violence.
10. To strive toward excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity, so
that the nation constantly rises to higher levels of endeavor and achievement.
Political Party System

11th Lecture
EVOLUTION OF POLITICAL PARTIES :

 From the dawn of the civilized life, human beings

have always organized themselves into groups.
 In modern times these groups become Political
Parties.
 Contemporary Political Party System is less than
200 Years old.
 Initially political parties emerged in Europe, North
America and Japan during 1830s.
 Much later, it came into full force in other
countries. Like All India Muslim League emerged
in 1906.
DEFINITION OF PARTY SYSTEM :

 A political party has been defined as an organized body of people

who stand for certain principles and policies in political life of the
country, by whose co – operation they seek to promote the
interest of the country as a whole. According to,
(I) Edmund Burke :
“A political party is a body of men united for promoting by their
joint
endeavors the national interest, upon some particular principle in
which they
all are agreed.”
(II) Stephen Leacock :
“ By a political party we mean more or less an organized group of
citizens
who act together as political unit”
(III) Gilchrist :
“A Political party is an organized group of citizens who professes
to share
the same political views
DEFINITION OF PARTY SYSTEM :

 (I) Edmund Burke :

“A political party is a body of men united for
promoting by their joint endeavors the national
interest, upon some particular principle in which
they all are agreed.”
(II) Stephen Leacock :
“ By a political party we mean more or less an
organized group of citizens
who act together as political unit”
(III) Gilchrist :
“A Political party is an organized group of citizens
who professes to share
the same political views
NEED FOR POLITICAL PARTY:

 Representative government and representative

institutions require the existence of political
parties. Parties provide link between the citizens
and government, and between electorate and the
representative institutions.
 In a political system, parties act as the transmitter
of ideas, opinions and
approaches to social needs and national goals.
NEED FOR POLITICAL PARTY:

 Representative government and representative

institutions require the existence of political parties.
Parties provide link between the citizens and
government, and between electorate and the
representative institutions.
 In a political system, parties act as the transmitter of
ideas, opinions and
approaches to social needs and national goals.
 Political parities are vehicles of political powers.
They work for eradication of social evils like
illiteracy, untouchability etc.
KINDS OF PARTIES

 Political parties can be classified into four groups

according to their aims,
policies and the method adopted by them to
achieve their goals. They are,
1. Conservatives
2. Liberals
3. Reactionaries
4. Radicals
KINDS OF PARTIES

 Apart from this, there are also leftists and rightists.

Parties which opt for radical changes and for the
introduction of radical legislations are called
leftists, and those which are desirous of slow,
steady and smooth changes regarded as rightists,
sometimes even within the same parties there are
two wings rightists and leftists.
KINDS OF PARTIES

 Apart from this, there are also leftists and rightists.

Parties which opt for radical changes and for the
introduction of radical legislations are called
leftists, and those which are desirous of slow,
steady and smooth changes regarded as rightists,
sometimes even within the same parties there are
two wings rightists and leftists.
The other major classification of parties

 1. The number of parties dominating the political

scene one party, two party or multiparty.
2. The main structure and characteristics of the
party-charismatic leader-oriented party, ideology-
oriented party and interest oriented party.
3. The geographical area of influence and
penetration. (especially in a feudal polity)- that is
national party, trans- regional party, regional party
and local party.
4. Four fold types of party structure suggested by
Maurice Duverger- the caucus, the branch, the
cell and the militia.
Mass party:

 The mass party is ‘the branch type’ of party with

open membership and hierarchical party structure,
dominated by the central leadership. It is a
permanent party, active continuously throughout
the year.
 Its branches, covering the entire country and
different segments of populations are the main
source of its strength. Delegates are elected
through the branches to the party congress, which
remains the highest policy making body.
Examples of mass party:

 1. The British Labor party

2. German Social Democratic party

3. The Congress party of India

4. Bharathiya Janatha party

SINGLE PARTY SYSTEM:

 A single party system is a system in which there

will be only one political party in a country. The law
of the land will not allow rivals. The Russian
Revolution in the beginning of 20th century was
the main cause for the emergence of single party
system.
Best example for this system is communist China.
SINGLE PARTY SYSTEM: Merits

1. The government can be run efficiently without

wasting time in discussion and controversies.

2. There is high national discipline.

3. There is no political rivalry.

4. Tremendous all around progress is possible

SINGLE PARTY SYSTEM: Demerits

1. There will no difference between the party and the

government.
2. Under this system, legislature may be law-making
body with no chance of
frank discussion and deliberation.
3. The state with a single party rule will lead to
authoritarianism and totalitarianism.
4. People are ruthlessly suppressed.
5. There will be no place for dignity of human
personality.
6. No change for enjoying rights by the people.
TWO PARTY SYSTEM:

The two party system is the one in which there will

be two political parties one is the ruling party and
the other is the opposition party, Examples of two
party systems are,
1. England – There are two parties in England the
Conservative party and Labor party.
2. U.S.A – The Democratic Party and the
Republican Party.
TWO PARTY SYSTEM: Merits

1. In a parliamentary government, the two party system

provides for stable government.
2. A real representative government is possible only
in a two party system.
3. Since parties are well organized, they help to
mould public opinion.
4. Voters are well aware of polices and programs of
the parties of which they have to make a choice.
5. The opposition party is playing constructive role. It
points out the commissions and omissions in the
policies and acts of the government.
TWO PARTY SYSTEM: Demerits

1. It gives rise to dictatorship of the cabinet and

lower the prestige of legislature.
2. There will be possibility of despotism of ruling
party.
3. Representation of various interests and
minorities is denied.
4. It gives rise to blind devotion and allegiance to
the party and the leaders.
MULTI PARTY SYSTEM:

Cleavages in social structures and differences in

nationalities and regions in
a state cause the emergence of multiparty system.
A multiparty system is the one in which there will
be more than parties in a state. For example,
India and France are the best example of multi
party system.
MULTI PARTY SYSTEM: Merits

1. The possibility of cabinet dictatorship is rule out.

2. There is greater individual freedom, and all shades of
opinion can be expressed
through various political parties.
3. Adequate representation to various interests in a
state is accorded in multiparty system.
4. The voter has wider choice in the two party system.
MULTI PARTY SYSTEM: Demerits
1. There will be no stable government.
2. Multiplicity of political divisions and parties may create chaos.
3. Parties divide people into hostile groups.
4. No ministry will be able to do any good work for the people.
Coalition ministries will exist precariously for a short time.
5. Fraud in the buying of votes will undermine political morality.
INTEREST GROUPS:
In almost all liberal democracies, there are several
organized groups representing the various interests
of its citizens. They interact among themselves and
with the government. The presence and role of
specific interest groups augment and supplement
the role and purposes of the political parties. They
are the part of a wider political process.
While parties are formal, open and are recognized
part of the political system competing for power the
interest groups are informal, often secretive,
concealed and conspiratorial and sometimes even
unrecognized entities.
Types of Interest Groups:

1. Associational interest groups

2. Institutional interest groups
3. Ad - hoc interest groups
Associational interest groups

Examples are trade unions, chamber of commerce and

industry, shopkeeper’s association and lawyer organization
etc.
Institutional interest groups:

Examples are service organizations like Defence, police and

civil service personnel, employees in educational institutions
and scientific laboratories and public sector units.
Ad - hoc Interest Groups:

Set up for a specific temporary demand and transient interest,

which is terminated on the attainment of its objective.
Functions of Interest Groups:

The method and functional style of interest groups vary in

different political
systems conditioned by five factors.
1. Pattern of political institution
2. Nature of party system
3. Political culture and attitude of leaders and people.
4. The nature of issues and problem concerned
5. The character and type of the concerned interest groups.
Functions of Interest Groups:

The method and functional style of interest groups vary in

different political
systems conditioned by five factors.
1. Pattern of political institution
2. Nature of party system
3. Political culture and attitude of leaders and people.
4. The nature of issues and problem concerned
5. The character and type of the concerned interest groups.
PUBLIC OPINION:
Public opinion plays a vital role in modern democracy. In fact
democracy has been defined as government by public
consent or government responsive to public opinion. Even in
dictatorship, government attaches much importance to public
opinion. Public opinion is defined as the expression of all
those members of a group who are given attention in any way
to a given issue. Opinions may be reflected in an election, a
policy decision of formal legislative enactment.
PUBLIC OPINION:
Public opinion plays a vital role in modern democracy. In fact,
democracy has been defined as government by public
consent or government responsive to public opinion. Even in
dictatorship, government attaches much importance to public
opinion. Public opinion is defined as the expression of all
those members of a group who are given attention in any way
to a given issue. Opinions may be reflected in an election, a
policy decision of formal legislative enactment.
Importance of Public opinion:

Public opinion is a tremendous social and political force not be

ignored in the modern world. All parties give greater
importance to public opinion. They feel that the money
invested to create public opinion is good for them and the
country.
Success of any government depends upon how it wins the
opinion of the people. Vigilant public opinion is necessary for a
successful democracy. Public opinion very much limits the
power of rulers. Decision taken against public opinion will be
detrimental to party and the government in power.
Conditions Necessary for Public Opinion:

1. Peoples capacity to think

2. Interest of people in national problem
3. Formation of groups
4. Initiative by political leaders.
5. Role of writers.
6. Homogeneity and community interest.
ROLE OF MASS MEDIA:

Cinema has been a traditional area of entertainment and

learning. In a subtle way it influences public opinion. It is the
most effective mass media.
The electronic revolution has penetrated every part of the
country, every locality and household. Radio, TV and VCR
have established a wider communication channel for
dissemination of news, information, views, advertisements
and entertainments.
ROLE OF MASS MEDIA:

The audio-visual methods, which they employ, can influence

even the illiterates. In home, in office, in market and street
corners the media’s presence have altered the entire pattern
of communication and of social life.
Electronic media plays direct and indirect part in projecting
and building public opinion, by increasing the level of
information, expanding awareness and making available many
points of views and approaches.
Print Media

which today stands as the most powerful single agency

molding, influencing and disseminating public opinion. A
printed word acquires greater sanctity, appeal and legitimacy
in human
consciousness than a spoken word.
Newspapers with their daily dissemination of news, facts and
information together with editorial comments, views of analyst
and experts, and leaders provide the daily diet for the
formation of public opinion.
MACHINERY FOR CONDUCTING
ELECTION:

Election Commission

It consists of the Chief Election Commissioner and a few other

election commissioners whose membership is determined and
fixed from time to time by the President of Pakistan.
They are appointed by the President for a fixed term of five
years. Their tenure and service conditions are laid down by
the parliament and cannot be changed during the term of
office.
MACHINERY FOR CONDUCTING
ELECTION:

Election Commission

The Chief Election Commissioner cannot be removed from

office, except on the
ground and in the manner on which the Supreme Court judge
can be removed. This is
to protect him from undue interference of executive and
legislature.
Powers and functions of Election
Commission:

The Election Commission of Pakistan has been given wide

powers and functions. They are,
1. To prepare, revise and update the list of voters for
elections.
2. To conduct and supervise the elections and bi-elections.
3. To delimit constituencies for election to the parliament and
state legislature and to allot seats to each of them.
4. To fix the election program including dates for the
nomination and scrutiny of candidates and date of election,
making arrangement and declaration of result etc.
Powers and functions of Election
Commission:

5. To advice the President or the Governor of the concerned

state as the case may be regarding all electoral matters
including queries relating to disqualification of members.
6. To prepare guidelines for a code of conduct for political
parties, candidates and voters during the period of elections.
7. To fix limit of election expenses and to examine the
accounts of electoral expenditure submitted by the
candidates.
Powers and functions of Election
Commission:

8. To determine criteria for recognizing political parties and

then recognize them and decide their election symbols and
allocate time to them for the use of radio and TV in order to
help them to reach the people on the election issue.
9. To prepare a list of ‘free symbols’ for allotment to
independent candidates

10. To settle election disputes and petition, referred to it by the

President or the Governor of a province.
Types of Political Parties

In terms of geographical spread there are four types of

parties. They are national parties, regional parties, caste
parties and communal parties.
National Parities

National Parties are those Pakistani political parties, who have

representation in all over Pakistan. For examples

PTI

PML N

PPP

Jamaat-e-Islami
Regional Parities
The emergence of regional parties in Pakistan has a geo-political rationale.
Under conditions of democratic culture there are socio economic and ethnic
diversities, which
are specific to different regions in Pakistan.

Communist Party of Pakistan.

Hazara Democratic Party.

Baluchistan National Party (Awami)

Baluchistan National Party (Mengal)

Communist Mazdoor Kisaan Party.

Mazdoor Kisaan Party (MKP)

Regional Parities
The emergence of regional parties in Pakistan has a geo-political rationale.
Under conditions of democratic culture there are socio economic and ethnic
diversities, which
are specific to different regions in Pakistan.

Communist Party of Pakistan.

Hazara Democratic Party.

Baluchistan National Party (Awami)

Baluchistan National Party (Mengal)

Communist Mazdoor Kisaan Party.

Mazdoor Kisaan Party (MKP)

CASTE PARTY:

Generally people are divided into groups on the basis of area,

profession, caste, community, religion and race. Sometimes
they are divided on the basis of color of the skin.
In India people belong to various groups. Caste is one such
group. This kind of division of the people is found mostly in
India only. There are several caste groups throughout India.
The main reason for this is to be found in the cast system of
Hindu Religion
COMMUNAL PARTY:

A party political or otherwise formed on the basis of

communal feelings and beliefs is known as a communal
party. Like the caste party, communal party has its origins in
the division of people or the society on grounds of caste
distinctions.
12th Lecture
 LOCAL
GOVERNMEN
T SYSTEM OF
PAKISTAN
 CONTEN
TS
 Introduction about Govt and Local Self Govt
 Local Self Government System in Pakistan:
 1947 – 1958 period
 Ayub’s regime.
 Zulfiqar Bhutto’s regime.
 Zia-ul- haq’s regime.
 Musharaf regime
 Current Local Govt System introduced in 2013
 Conclusion.
 Government

Judiciary Executive
• To run the
State
Function Machinary
of Govt
Legislature
Tiers of Government in Pakistan

Federal Government

Provincial Government

Local Government
 TYPES OF LOCAL
GOVERNMENT

• Administration of local
Local Govt areas run by appointed
bureaucracy

• Administration of local
Local Self Govt areas run by its elective
representatives
WHAT IS LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT?

By local self-government, we mean the administration of

local areas run by its elective representatives. In modern

states there is a great import of the local self-government

because democracy is made real in local self-

government. A nation may establish a system of free

government, but without the spirit of municipal

institutions it cannot have the spirit of liberty.

 FUNCTIONS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

 Planning and development and maintenance of roads,

bridges, street lights and storm water drains
 Providing protection against stray animals and animal
trespass, and establishing cattle pounds
 Public Health (Hospitals, Rural Health Centres, Basic
Health Units, Family Welfare Clinics, Promotion of public
health, responsibility for sanitations, removal, collection
and disposal of Refuse, infection diseases, registration
of birth, deaths and marriages)
 Water supply and drainage
 Fire fighting service
 Civil Defence
 Slaughter House
 Streets (Permission of out street and proper
laying
lightening of streets, Traffic Planning, Street Watering)
Education (Adult / Primary)
Trees, Parks, Gardens and Forests
Culture (fairs and shows etc, Libraries,
museum, exhibitions etc)
 Social Welfare (Welfare homes, asylums,
orphanages,

widow and shelter houses and other institutions for the relief

of the distressed, Prevention of beggary, gambling, taking

of injurious drugs and consumption of alcoholic liquor

and other social services)

 SOURCES OF INCOME OF LOCAL BODIES

 Tax on the annual value of buildings and lands

 Tax on transfer of immovable property

 Fee for registration and certificates of birth and death,

marriages and divorce

 Advertisements including bill board and hoarding

 Cinemas, dramatic and theatrical shows etc

 Vehicles (other than motor vehicle but including carts

bi- cycles and all kinds of boats)

 Tolls on roads, bridges and ferries
 Rate for the supply of water
 Schools fees in respect of schools established or
maintained by the Local Govt
 Fees for fairs, agricultural shows, industrial exhibition,
tournaments and other public gatherings
 Fees for markets
 Fees for licenses, sanctions and permits granted by the
Local Govt
 Fees for slaughtering of Animals

 Parking Fee

 Fee on BTS Tower

 Fisheries

 Any other tax which is levied by Government

 Grants by Provincial / Federal Govt, if any

 ADVANTAGES OF LOCAL SELF GOVT

 People get training in democracy. That is why it is called

the primary school of democracy
 People get interested in the administration and their
cooperation is increased
 It brings efficiency in the administration because the
representative of local areas understand local problems
well and they can solve them in a better way
 Through Local Self Govt there is a great saving of money
in the administration, because the people of local areas
pay the taxes and their representatives know well how
difficult it is to pay taxes. Thus there is no misuse of the
taxes
 The workload of the provincial government is lightened by
entrusting work to local bodies. The local functions are
efficiently performed by the local institutions and not by
provincial government, because, the latter is already
overburdened with work
 The local bodies are useful because they provide drinking
water, clean roads and streets, good drains, good libraries
and reading rooms, museums, zoos and beautiful parks etc
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
SYSTEM IN
PAKISTAN
 LOCAL GOVT IN PAKISTAN (1947 – 1958)

The system of local government inherited by Pakistan in

1947 was a product of a series of British efforts made from
time to time through reforms, laws and commissions, to
promote local institutions autonomous in certain respects
but substantially under the control of the provincial
government through district officers.
Afterindependence, the policy of the Pakistan Govt in
regard to local govt was that fullest autonomy shall be
granted to such bodies; this was borne out by the 1948
Muslim League Manifesto which stood for the ‘very widest
extension of Local Govt on the models of parishes and
communes of the United States’.
 Despite these steps and prompt action taken, the local govt

institutions in West Pakistan made no appreciable progress.

The above state of affairs more or less continued to

prevail throughout the first decade of Pakistan’s existence

and no noteworthy advance was made until the

promulgation of Basic Democracies Order in 1959

THE AYUB PERIOD: DECENTRALIZATION AND THE
POLITICS OF LEGITIMACY
The new local governments, established under the Basic
Democracies Ordinance, 1959 and the
Municipal Administration Ordinance
1960, comprised a hierarchical system of
four linked tiers. The lowest tier, which
was the union councils, comprised of
members elected on the basis of adult
franchise who, in turn, elected a
chairman from amongst themselves. The
higher tiers of local government had
STRUCTURE OF BASIC
DEMOCRACY
Local Govt
in Ayub’s
Regime

Divisional District Tehsil

Councils Councils Councils
(18) (81) (617)

Municipal Town Union

Cantt
Committees Committees Councils
Boards (25)
(118) (261) (7577)

Union Union
Committees Committees
(77) (449)
 BASIC DEMOCRACIES (BD)
 The most important and controversial function which was
included in constitutions of 1962 was that members of the
lowest tier, the Union Councilors, were designated as the
Electoral College and empowered to elect the President
and the members of national and provincial assemblies.
 To sum up, the Basic Democracies scheme failed
because its authors tried to shape it against the
fundamental laws that is to say that they did not adhere to
the concept that autonomy is the corner stone of local
govt.
 LOCAL GOVERNMENT
ZULFIQAR ALI BHUTTO AND
ZIA’S REGIME
 ZULFIQAR ALI BHUTTO’S REGIME

When Pakistan People’s Party with Zulfiqar Bhutto came

to power, the concept of People’s Local Government
was introduced. In the law order each province passed
its own local to all provinces. In the new order
institutions of local government were set up on their
own account and had no political strings.
STRUCTURE OF PEOPLE’S LOCAL GOVT
SYSTEM

Local Govt

District Council Municipal Corporation

Halqa Council Municipal Committee

Dehi Council Town

Committee
It provided representation for minorities, women, peasants
and workers on the local councils. The local councils
were required to hold meeting once a year to which votes
were to be invited. The new law introduced some useful
reforms in the field of local government. But as elections
were never held under the new law, and the local councils
were not constituted under the new law, these reforms
were not implemented. The country did not have any
Local Government system during the period 1971 to 1979.
 THE ZIA AND POST-ZIA PERIOD

The new Martial Law Government of General Zia-ul- Haq

declared in clear terms their policy of revitalizing local
government. In undertaking of this policy new local
government laws were drafted for each province, Federal
Area, Northern Areas, and Azad Kashmir. These laws
were promulgated and enforced in 1979. These laws
followed the same pattern, but slight variations were
made here and there to suit local circumstances.
• Centralization Reinforced Through Direct Military
Control of Quasi-Presidential Government
• Implemented Bhutto’s LGOs
– No Constitutional Protection Given to Elected Bodies
– Provision of Municipal Services Primary Objective
– Local Governments Given Little Financial Power
• Non-Party Basis of Elections
Curtailed Power of Parties, and
Prolonged Customs Politics and Elite Capture
STRUCTURE OF LOCAL GOVT DURING ZIA’S REGIME

Provincial
Govt

Urban Rural

Distt Council
(86)
Town Municipal
Municipal Metropolitan Wards (3373)
Committee Committee
Corporation Corporation
(270) (117)
(11) (2)
Wards Wards
Wards (836) Wards (219) Union Councils
(3568) (2694)
(3786)
Wards (61292)
• Urban Councils Enjoyed Higher Levels of Revenue
and Income than Rural and semi-Urban Ones
• Urban Councils Under No Obligation To Provide Funds to
Rural or semi-Urban Areas
• Rural and semi-Urban Areas Dependent
on Provincial Administrative Tier for Financial
Support
• Competition between Urban Middle Class and Numerically
Strong Rural Elites for Resources
• Non-Party Based Elections in 1985 Created Localization of
Politics at all Levels
• Revival of Party Basis (1988) Did Not Reverse Localization
of Politics Due to Weakened Parties
• SpaceLeft by Parties Filled by Fluid Local
Political Factions
 DEVOLUTION OF
POWER
PLAN - 2001
Local Govt in Musharaf’s
regime
 MUSHARAF’S
REGIME
In order to establish democracy at grassroots level, the

regime of General Pervez Musharaf, introduced the

Local Government System. This was not a new

experiment in Pakistan. This new system of Local

Government was installed on August 14, 2001, after

holding of elections. Direct elections on non-party basis

were held in five phases for members of Union Councils,

Union Nazim, and Naib Union Nazim during 2000 to

 THE NEW DEVOLUTION OF
POWER PLAN
 Introduced by General Pervaiz Musharraf in Jan 2001
 It was implemented in September 2001
 The Local Govt was based on five ground rules:-
 Devolution of Political Power
 Decentralization of Administrative authority
 De-concentration of management functions
 Defusion of the power - authority nexus and
 Distribution of resources
DIFFERENT LEVELS

UNION TEHSIL DISTRICT

GOVERNMENT GOVERNMENT GOVERNMENT
 UNION
•
GOVERNMENT
The lowest tier, the union government was a corporate
body covering the rural as well as urban areas across the
whole District
• It consisted of Union Nazim, Naib Union Nazim and three
Secretaries and other auxiliary staff
• The Union Nazim was the head of Union Administration.
The Union Secretaries coordinated and facilitated in
community development, functioning of the Union
Committees and delivery of municipal services under the
supervision of union Nazim
• In addition to fiscal transfers from the Provinces, the Local
Govt were authorized to generate money from their own
resources by levying certain taxes, fees, user charges etc
 TEHSIL
GOVERNMENT
• The middle tier, the Tehsil Govt, had Tehsil Municipal
Administration, headed by the Tehsil Nazim
• Tehsil Municipal Administration consisted of a Tehsil
Nazim, a Tehsil Municipal Officer, Tehsil Officer, Chief
Officers and other officials.
• The Tehsil Municipal Administration was entrusted with the
function of administration, finances, the management of
the offices of the local govt and rural development and
numerous other subjects at the regional, divisional,
district, Tehsil and lower levels.
 DISTRICT
•
GOVERNMENT
The District Government of Zila Nazim and
consisted
District Administration
• The District Administration consisted of District Officers
including sub-offices at Tehsil level, who were to be
responsible to the District Nazim assisted by the District
Coordinator Officer
• The District Coordinator Officer was appointed by the
Provincial Govt and was the coordinating head of the
District Administration
• The Zila Nazim was accountable to the people through
elected members of the Zila Council. A Zila Council was
consisted of all Union Nazims in the Districts. The Zila
Council has separate budget allocation
• The District Govt was responsible to the people and
Provincial Govt for improvement of Governance and
delivery of services
On the basis of these direct elections, indirect elections
were held in July-August 2001 for Zila Nazim and Naib
Zila Nazim and also for Tehsil-Town Nazim and Naib
Nazim. In order to attract people towards electoral
politics, the minimum age for local government elections
was lowered from 21 to 18 years. One-third seats were
reserved for women. The offices of Division
Commissioner and District Commissioner (DC) were
abolished and their roles and functions were distributed
to the District Government headed by the elected mayor
(Nazims) and including a District Coordination Officer
(DCO) who reported to the Nazims.
The magisterial powers of the DC were withdrawn and
given to the judiciary and police. The role of police
oversight formerly held by the DC was abolished and the
responsibility of law and order was entrusted to the
Nazims.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
SYSTEM - 2013
 ANALYSIS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS ACTS OF
2013

 In accordance with 18th Amendment to the

the
assembly of Balochistan
Constitution, the
passed the LG Act in 2010, whereas the provincial
provincial

assemblies of Punjab, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

passed their LG Acts in 2013. Despite a lack of enthusiasm,

and due consultation during the formulation stage, the

passage of the LG Acts is a significant milestone.

 One striking feature of all four LG Acts, in comparison with

the LGO 2001, is that none of the Acts devolves sufficient

functions and powers to the local governments, and all

four provincial governments have retained the authority to

suspend or remove the heads of an elected local

government. The functioning of the Local Government

Fund is managed by the Finance Department and Finance

Minister of the province.

 STRUCTURE AND CONSTITUENCY DELIMITATION

 All four LG Acts provide for local government elections on

a party basis. Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan will have Union

Councils and District Councils in the rural areas and Union

Councils/Committees and Municipal Committees in the

urban areas. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa LG Act also

provides for Tehsil Councils and Village Councils in the

rural areas and Neighbourhood Councils in the urban

areas.
TERM LIMITS AND THE ELECTORAL PROCESS

The LG Acts of 2013 are not consistent on the term

limits of the local governments. Punjab provides for a
term of five years, Sindh and Balochistan of four years,
and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa of three years.
The electoral process also varies across provinces.
Punjab provides for direct elections for the posts of
Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen of the Union Councils,
whereas Sindh envisages indirect election of Chairman
and Vice-Chairman of Union Council from a panel of
nine Councilors elected to the general and reserved
 In both Punjab and Sindh, the heads of District Councils
will be chosen indirectly through an electoral college
comprising all members of the respective council.
 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provides for direct elections of
members for all seats (reserved and non-reserved) in the
Village and Neighbourhood Councils. In Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa, the reserved seats for women, peasants,
youth and minorities will be filled through proportional
representation by the political parties on the basis of the
number of seats won.
SINDH LOCAL GOVT ACT - 2013
 Structure of Local Govt in Sindh (2015)
Urban Area in a District Rural Area in a
District
District Council
Metropolitan Corporation (for each Metropolitan
city)
Union Council

Distt Municipal Corporation (for each distt of

the Metropolitan city)

Municipal Corporation (for each city

comprising of union committees)

Municipal Committees (for each municipality

comprising of single member ward)

Town Committee (For each Town comprising

of
single ward)

Union Committee (Ward level)

 LOCAL GOVT IN SINDH
(2015)
Local Body Population Required

Metropolitan Corporations Population above 3.5

Million
Corporations, other then Metropolitan Population between 0.3 Million to 3.5
Corporation Million

Municipal Corporation Population between 50,000 to 0.3 million

Town Population between 10,000 to 50,000

Committees
Union Council Population between 10,000 to 15,000

Union Committee in Municipal Population between 10,000 to 15,000

Corporation

Union Committee in Metropolitan Population between 40,000 to 50,000

Corporation

Ward in a Town Population between 2000 to 3000

Committee
Ward in a Municipal Population between 4000 to 5000
DEMARCATIONS FOR THE LOCAL BODIES
ELECTIONS

 Total of 355 union committees and

1,131 union councils in the province.
Of them, 213 union committees and
22 union councils fall within
Karachi’s six district municipal
corporations (DMCs) and the Karachi
District Council (KDC), respectively.
 Three more municipal corporations
— of Hyderabad, Sukkur and
Larkana — have been notified with
96, 26 and 20 union committees,
respectively.
DEMARCATIONS FOR THE LOCAL BODIES
ELECTIONS

 Karachi is the only city with a

metropolitan corporation apart from
six DMCs. With three municipal
corporations elsewhere, there would
be 37 municipal committees and
144 town committees functioning in many districts
designated as ‘urban
neighbourhoods’.
 Each union council and committee
will have nine seats with the
chairperson and vice-chairperson are
required to be joint candidates from
 UNION COMMITTEE – WARD
LEVEL
A Chairman Chairman of each
and a Vice
Chairman Union Committee
as join
candidate will represent the
Union Committee
in Metropolitan
4 x General 1 x Woman
members Member Corporation and
Vice Chairman will
Union
Committee represent the
Union Committee
in respective Distt
Municipal
1 x Non- 1 x labourer
Muslim or Peasant Corporation
Member
Member
 DISTRICT MUNICIPAL CORPORATION IN 6
X DISTRICTS OF KARACHI
All elected Vice The District Municipal
Chairman of
Union
Committees Corporation so
falling within
the District
constituted shall elect a
Chairman and a Vice
Chairman respectively
from amongst its
District
22% Women Municipal 5% Non-
Muslim
members elected (by
Corporation
show of hands)

5% for labourer
or Peasant
METROPOLITAN CORPORATION (KARACHI DIVISION)

All elected The Metropolitan

Chairman of
Union
Committees Corporation so
falling within
the District constituted shall
elect a Mayor and a
Deputy Mayor
from amongst its
Metropolitan
Corporation 5% Non- members elected
22% Women
(Karachi Muslim
Division)
(by show of hands)

5% for
labourer or
Peasant
 UNION COUNCIL

A Chairman
and a Vice
Chairman as
joiin
candidates

4 x General 1 x Women
Members member

Union
Counc
il
1 x Non- 1 x Labourer
Muslim or Peasant
Member Member

1 x Member
to be elected
directly for
the Distt
Council
 DISTRICT COUNCIL

Members The District

elected by
the Union Council so
Councils
constituted shall
elect a
Chairman and a
Reserved Vice
Chairman from
Reserved
seats 22%
District seats 5%
for amongst its
for Women Counci Labourer
l or Peasant members elected
(by show of hands)

Reserved
seats
5% for
Non-
Muslim
 MUNICIPAL CORPORATION

Members
The Municipal
elected by
the Union Corporation so
Committees
constituted shall
elect a Mayor and a
Deputy Mayor

Reserved from
amongst its
Reserved seats 5%
Municipal for members elected
seats 22%
Corporation Labourer or
for Women
Peasant (by show of hands)

Reserved
seats 5%
for Non-
Muslim
 MUNICIPAL COMMITTEE

Each The Municipal

Member
elected from
its Committee so
respective
wards constituted shall
elect a Chairman
and a Vice
Chairman from
Reserved
Reserved Municipal seats 5% for amongst its
seats 22%
for Women Committee Labourer or
Peasant
members elected
(by show of hands)

Reserved
seats 5% for
Non-
Muslim
 TOWN COMMITTEE

Each The Town

Member
elected from
its Committee so
respective
wards constituted shall
elect a Chairman
and a Vice
Chairman from
Reserved
Reserved Town seats 5% for amongst its
seats 22%
for Women Committee Labourer or
Peasant
members elected
(by show of hands)

Reserved
seats 5% for
Non-
Muslim
CONCLUSION
 CONCLUSION
The experience has shown in comparison to federal and

provincial governments, local government is more

accessible, more sympathetic, and quicker to respond to

local needs. Therefore, local government should be

developed and evolved by the local people according to their

own experiences and aspirations. That is what happens in

United States and other developed countries.

 CONCLUSION
Decentralization of power at the grass roots level leads to
better provision of social and civil services, restoration of the
real democracy in the country and a more active and
beneficial interaction and participation of the masses in all
tiers of governance. They must have the power to levy and
collect revenues. Devolution without enabling the local
governments to raise and manage funds from their own
resources is not likely to enable the people to run their own
affairs. Since effective lower judiciary is an important part of
the system of devolution, new local judicial institutions have
to be created and existing one strengthened to provide cheap
and immediate justice
 QUOTE OF THE
DAY
Where there is little or no public opinion,
there is likely to be bad government,
which sooner or later becomes
autocratic government.

William Lyon Mackenzie

King