Empowering the Local Governments: A Practical Framework for Local Government

Mettis Global published an opinion piece by Fahim Ahmed, a former investment banker, arguing that Sindh's public services such as roads, drainage, water and healthcare are split across provincial departments, local governments and development authorities. According to the article, this division leaves responsibility unclear and accountability weak. It proposes a clearer split of duties, with local bodies given both the authority and the resources to deliver the services assigned to them.

The article holds that the province should keep functions needing province-wide planning, regulation or large resources, while mainly local matters pass to local bodies. Funds and staff must move with those duties, since otherwise local governments stay dependent on the province. It also calls for a coherent metropolitan framework for Karachi and for land reserved for parks, schools and hospitals to be protected from ordinary revenue use.

On finances, the writer suggests a 60:40 split between provincial and local revenues as a possible starting point, with transfers set by a transparent Provincial Finance Commission formula that looks beyond population. The article points out that Article 140A lacks explicit provision for such commissions, though a 2022 Supreme Court judgment held PFC Awards necessary for financial devolution. It also urges local bodies to publish annual targets and phase devolution in stages.