Promoting better local governance in Pakistan

Project description 

Title:  Support to Local Governance (LoGo II) Programme
Commissioned by: German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
Country: Pakistan
Lead executing agency: Economic Affairs Division (EAD)​​​​​​​
Overall term: 2020 to 2022

SLG

Context

In 2010, the 18th amendment to the Pakistani constitution transferred a wide range of functions from the national government to the provinces. By 2013, new local government acts (LGAs) were enacted in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Punjab. Subsequently, the Pakistani Government’s 2019 local government reform initiative introduced fundamental adjustments to the LGAs in both provinces. The new legislation transferred the responsibility of many government services to sub-districts and towns. However, Pakistan still faces tough challenges in the smooth delivery of many essential public services by local governments due to very limited own-source revenue and the resulting lack of resources. Moreover, political participation of citizens in local governance is limited. These factors hamper the capacity of the local governments to provide quality public services.

Objective

Local governments in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab are putting the regulatory, personnel and financial prerequisites in place to deliver public services with a special focus on the needs of women and disadvantaged groups.

Approach

The project promotes the political participation of citizens and improvement in the performance of local governments to effectively provide local services to citizens. It provides advisory support on:

a) the policy reform process and the development of institutional capabilities in local governments;

b) mobilising domestic resources; and

c) inclusive and citizen-oriented service delivery.

Additionally, the project deploys digital solutions and innovative technologies to address social, economic and environmental challenges.

The implementing partners include the local government departments and revenue authorities including excise and taxation departments, the KP and Punjab Information Commissions and the Right to Service Commissions of KP. Support measures are also delivered directly at the local government level.

Last update: September 2022

Additional information