Pakistan’s Defense Minister, Khawaja Asif, has stated that the 18th Constitutional Amendment was the reason behind its labeling as a “white elephant”. Speaking at the second day of the Think Festival in Lahore’s Alhamra Hall, Asif said that the country has failed to effectively implement the local government system, which is why the amendment was termed as a white elephant. The Defense Minister stated that he cannot understand why his political community is so fearful of local governments, and that the people’s welfare requires a better local government system.
Asif further stated that under the 18th amendment, powers were transferred to the provinces, and that the transfer of powers to the lower levels of provinces should be the focus. He added that the 18th amendment was crucial, and that the country would not move forward until the powers are transferred to the lower levels. Asif emphasized that the local government system has failed to be implemented effectively, and that no one has any reason to fear it.
The Defense Minister also stated that the biggest threat to local bodies is bureaucracy, and that the powers need to be transferred to the lower levels. He added that this would lead to more tax collection, and that the government’s influence in the healthcare, education, and social sectors should be reduced. Asif stated that in the rest of the world, the local government system is strengthened.
Furthermore, the Defense Minister suggested that all stakeholders should come together to make decisions in the national interest, and that the formation of new provinces is not a problem. He added that the local government system should be taken care of like a nursery, and that new provinces should be formed. Asif also mentioned the example of New York, where the mayor won despite being opposed by the government, due to the strong system and respect for public opinion.
The Defense Minister also stated that the 18th amendment included the local government system and the national education curriculum, but was later removed. He added that politicians should understand that powers need to be transferred to the lower levels, and that no political party should be fearful of it. Local government is the best protector of the people.
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