Devolution Plan on the Administrative System of Pakistan: An Analysis and Implementation (2001-2008)

Abstract

The main objective of this study to understand the participation and representation of people at local level in the scheme of devolution of powers. It also highlights the problems and issues faced at the local level in order to assess the effectiveness governance and its influences on the administrative system of Pakistan. In developing countries such as Pakistan, the third administrative tier ‘local government system’ is believed as precursor of democracy and development. Local government; decentralization and their significance in public assistance have become increasingly important issues in the political scenario. The idea of decentralization is to transfer power and responsibilities from the central government to the local authorities in order to improve governance, accountability, and public service delivery. General Pervez Musharraf’s Government reestablished the administrative structure and started to improve the tasks of the local government in Pakistan. He started the program of decentralization to devolve the powers and authorities with the name of ‘Devolution of Powers’. This research is descriptive and analytical in nature. Secondary source is used for collection of data. The purpose of the research is to investigate the administrative structure under devolution plan introduced in Musharraf’s period. The finding suggests that in Pakistan, as governments seek to improve development of local areas and make local bodies more responsive to local needs, there has been a growing shift towards decentralization.