The local government system in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has been facing a serious crisis as public interest continues to fade due to the curtailment of powers, lack of funds, and the government's failure to address the grievances of elected representatives.
This disillusionment is reflected in the upcoming third phase of local government by-elections, where only 155 candidates have come forward to contest 913 vacant seats across the province.
According to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), by-elections will be held on October 19 for 912 vacant seats in 802 neighborhood and village councils. However, the response has been alarmingly low. Nomination papers have been filed for just 155 seats, leaving a staggering 758 positions uncontested.
Of the 114 general seats, only 93 candidates submitted papers. Out of 423 women's seats, a mere seven candidates came forward. For 33 peasant/worker seats, 14 candidates applied, and for 82 youth seats, 41 nominations were received. Shockingly, not a single candidate filed papers for 284 minority seats, highlighting the extent of public disengagement. Entire districts, including Battagram, Torghar, Lower Kohistan, Buner, Bajaur, South Waziristan, Karak, and Khyber, failed to produce even a single candidate.
Local government representatives have repeatedly protested against the lack of powers, delayed release of funds, and the government's reluctance to strengthen the system. Following recent amendments to the Local Government Act, representatives expressed disappointment and announced fresh demonstrations. The Local Council Association has already scheduled a protest outside the K-P Assembly on September 30. Meanwhile, metropolitan employees are also protesting over non-payment of salaries.
Peshawar Mayor Haji Zubair Ali, while talking to The Express Tribune, criticized successive governments for undermining the local government system. He said the system was at its most effective during Pervez Musharraf's era, when real powers were devolved to the grassroots level.
"At that time, people participated enthusiastically and considered it a genuine platform for public service," he noted. "But in later years, governments weakened the system, stripping Nazims of both authority and funds."
Highlighting the 13-year rule of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf in K-P, he alleged that political vendettas crippled the Local Government Act.
"For three and a half years, representatives waited in vain for funds to at least complete small development projects. But they were given neither authority nor a single rupee."
The poor turnout for the by-elections, he argued, is proof that when local representatives are deprived of powers and resources, public trust collapses, and the system itself drifts toward failure.
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