Urban Local Government in Pakistan-Expecting Too Much from Too Little

This paper examines the developmentalist performance of urban local government in Pakistan and shows how, over time, democratically elected local governments have been made impotent by democratically elected members to the higher, provincial and national assemblies. While extensive legislation exists which could permit the effective role of local government in development, severe financial constraints faced by these governments have meant that they are no longer involved in the process of development. Unless substantial structural measures are taken, in which the role of local government is redefined, it is unlikely that development at the local level will take place.