Riding out of shifting sands

With massive floods posing a serious threat to the economy, prompting forecasts of GDP growth falling during FY26 and amidst a debate on whether new provinces should be created or local bodies should be democratically empowered, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has stressed the need for a robust third tier of government. Addressing the Senate on Sept 1, he said, “A comprehensive and robust local government system is needed to serve the masses in the cities, villages and tehsils.” He regretted that presently there were no elected local body institutions in Punjab and other parts of the country. Until political parties are compelled to hold regular local elections, devolve real financial powers and respect the people’s mandate, governance will remain broken, says public policy analyst Durdana Najam.