LOCAL SELF GOVERNMENT, AUTONOMY AND NATIONAL INTEGRATION: A STUDY OF PROSPECTUS AND CHALLENGES

Abstract

Local self-government is an essential mechanism for strengthening local autonomy, democratic participation, effective service delivery, and national integration. This study discusses the opportunities and obstacles in the way of local autonomy in Pakistan, focusing on the autonomy –national integration nexus. It looks at transformation of local government reforms, institutional autonomy, political participation, fiscal decentralization and administrative capacity. The study proposes that empowered and sustainable local governments can help to deliver better public services, increase citizens' engagement, help to narrow regional gaps and build trust in state institutions. But the lack of political will, fiscal authority, administrative autonomy, institutional security, and the discontinuity of local government systems are still significant issues. The study calls for the constitutional and institutional reform to guarantee continuity, financial autonomy, effective accountability and significant political and administrative power to local government. The ultimate goal is that sustainable local autonomy is able to foster better democracy, good governance, and national integration in Pakistan