Islamabad, June 20, 2023 (PPI-OT): SDGs Secretariat of the National Assembly of Pakistan organized a consultative workshop on strengthening article 140 A of the constitution of Pakistan and discussing the significance and role of local governments in Pakistan. The meeting was chaired by Hon. Romina Khursheed Alam, Convener National Parliamentary Taskforce on SDGs, and the Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal, and attended by several members of the National Assembly.

The SDGs Secretariat invited Dehleez; a social movement platform for the restoration of local governments. The main aim of this meeting was to promote the empowerment of local governments and to initiate dialogue on strengthening their roles. Representatives of Dehleez emphasized the instrumental role of local governance bodies and proposed an amendment in Article 140A to ensure the continuity and increased autonomy of local government.

Mr. Ahsan Iqbal expressed his support for the proposed amendment and recognized the role of local government in ensuring democracy. Moreover, he highlighted the role of the SDGs Task Force and directed them to come up with a constitutional amendment to provide cover to the local governments. He also emphasized the mechanism to comprehend the international best practices and integrate improved communication and coordination vectors for local government-related agendas. The aim of this workshop was to provide an opportunity for the parliamentarians to develop a plan for effective legislation that promotes SDGs Localization and implementation.

The chairman of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs Mr. Mohsin Dawar highlighted a setback of the 18th constitutional amendment which may have potentially led to mismanagement of authority and resources at the provincial level which is the major hindrance in empowering the local governments. The parliamentarians discussed the importance of an inclusive and autonomous local government which can be ensured through a movement with public support, parliamentary lobbying, and improved communication among the legislative bodies. All appreciated this initiative by the SDGs Secretariat to amend the bill and to empower the local government for the promotion of SDGs in Pakistan and encouraged further discussions on the subject.

For more information, contact:

Secretary,

National Assembly of Pakistan

Automation Centre, National Assembly Secretariat,

Parliament House, Islamabad, Pakistan

Tel: +92-51-9221082-83

Fax: +92-51-9221106

Email: assembly@na.gov.pk

Website: www.na.gov.pk