Role of Local Government in Sustaining Development Goals: A Case Study of Pakistan

Abstract

The research discusses the significance of local governments in the context of democratic decentralization and the realization of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Pakistani political landscape. The research aims to explore the historical development of the systems of local governments in the country, specifically focusing on the Local Government Ordinance of 2001 and the provincial acts in Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Employing qualitative research methodology, this study focuses on the constraints placed upon the functioning of local governments in terms of rendering services and achieving sustainable developments because of political instability, centralization of power, lack of autonomy in institutions, and limited financial capacity in the country. Despite such remarkable adoption of Agenda 2030 at the national level in the country, this research bears out that limited empowerment of local governments has been one of the pivotal hindrances to sustainable development in the country.