Local government in Pakistan

Local Government in Pakistan is a complex pattern, with distribution of power varying according to the local arrangements. Legislation concerning local government was enacted in the Local Government Ordinance, 2001, which outlines several levels of government.

Levels

Country (e.g. Pakistan)

Province (e.g. Punjab)

Division (e.g. Rawalpindi Division)

District (e.g. Jhelum District)

Tehsil (e.g. Sohawa)

Union Council (e.g. Domeli)

Division

The District Coordination Officer is the administrative head of the District Administration. They have wide-ranging responsibility for overseeing, improving and directing the approved plans of the District Government.

The Zila Nazim used to be the executive head of the District Administration until 2010 when the government gave their powers to the District Coordination Officers also. Their role is similar to district governor or prefect, with responsibility for implementing government strategy and developing initiatives arising out of it.

In order to decentralize administrative and financial authority to be accountable to Local Governments, for good governance, effective delivery of services and transparent decision making through institutionalized participation of the people at grassroots level, elections to the local government institutions are held after every four years on none party basis by the Chief Election Commissioner of Pakistan.

Union Council

Members of Union Council including Union Administrator and Vice Union Administrator are elected through direct elections based on adult franchise and on the basis of joint electorate. However, for the election to the reserved seats for Women in Zila Council proportionately divided among Tehsils or Towns shall be all members of the Union Councils in a Tehsil or Town. It is the responsibility of the Chief Election Commissioner to organize and conduct these elections.

External links

• Government of Pakistan: Local Government overview