Let local govts govern
The chief justice was entirely correct when he said that local govts should “not be mere showpieces”

PHOTO: AFP
Chief Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali was entirely correct when he said that local governments should “not be mere showpieces” — but it appears that they may have to approach the superior courts if they are to gain the powers due to them, an indication that those with their hands on the levers of real power have little or no investment in grassroots empowerment. The reason for that is plain — local bodies are seedbeds in which germinates political change, the place where may grow a different kind of political plant that comes with an independence of mind and purpose that does not chime with the political mainstream. The very last thing that the establishment would wish for. The superior judiciary appears to be on the side of the underdog and at the very least an interesting struggle is going to develop, with the courts as both battleground and referee. In this instance, we find in favour of the underdog. Let local governance commence.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 29th, 2016.
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