Decentralization Without Empowerment: An Analysis of Local Government in Balochistan
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55737/rl.2024.31158Keywords:
Decentralization, Local Government, Balochistan, Governance, Empowerment, FederalismAbstract
Decentralization is the beacon of change in democratic countries. Developing countries like Pakistan are yet to witness the true benefits of this system. It has long been promoted as a mechanism to strengthen democracy, improve service delivery, and empower local communities. In Balochistan, however, repeated local government reforms have failed to translate into meaningful political, administrative, and fiscal empowerment. This study critically examines the paradox of “decentralization without empowerment” by analyzing the structure, functioning, and outcomes of local government in Balochistan. For this purpose, qualitative methodology is adopted with data collected through secondary sources. Document analysis is favored in order to assess the devolution plan through local governments. The findings of the paper reveal that decentralization has mostly been procedural. Firm provincial control, limited devolution of fiscal power, inadequate administrative capacity, and strong informal (tribal) power structure have confined the actual role of local governments. Finally, policy-driven recommendations are suggested, considering the case of Baluchistan, for a strong and stable local governance mechanism.
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