Speaker Calls For Balance Between Powers, Resources And Accountability
Punjab Assembly (PA) Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan on Saturday called for a more balanced distribution of decision-making authority, administrative responsibilities, and financial resources as part of efforts to improve governance.
Addressing a national policy dialogue on “Devolution of Powers to Provinces and Good Governance in Pakistan”, organised by the Pakistan Political Science Consortium at the University of Management and Technology (UMT), he stated that administrative reforms should focus on making governance more effective, accountable, and responsive to citizens.
Malik Muhammad Khan emphasised the need for clear definitions of roles and powers among the federation, provinces, and local governments within the constitutional framework. He noted that devolution cannot be effective without adequate decision-making authority, resources, and accountability mechanisms transferred alongside responsibilities.
He further stressed the importance of clarity regarding the responsibilities and powers of local institutions to efficiently address citizen concerns. Civil service reform was also highlighted as a key component of administrative reform, with the administrative structure needing to evolve to meet contemporary democratic and governance requirements.
The speaker noted that the 18th Constitutional Amendment was a significant step in power distribution between the federation and provinces, and called for continued dialogue on devolution, financial resources, and the role of local governments. Greater coordination among the federation, provinces, and local governments was also emphasised, with effective oversight and accountability required alongside authority and resource allocation.
Malik Muhammad Khan added that transparency in the electoral process and public confidence are crucial elements of democratic governance. Empowering elected representatives with clearly defined authority and responsibilities can help bring public needs closer to the governance process.