Ahsan Iqbal Clarifies Remarks on New Provinces, Emphasizes Grassroots Empowerment

Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal has clarified his remarks regarding new provinces, stating that most of Pakistan’s social and human resource indicators have continuously declined over the last fifteen years. He emphasized the need for significant improvement in these areas to achieve national development goals.

Ahsan Iqbal attributed the country’s poor performance in the social sector to the lack of transfer of powers and resources to the grassroots level after the 18th Amendment and the centralization of powers at the provincial level. He highlighted the need to overcome weaknesses in human resources and social sectors to accelerate national development.

• Pakistan’s social and human resource indicators have declined over the last fifteen years.
• The lack of transfer of powers and resources to the grassroots level hinders national development.
• Empowering local governments or forming new provinces could be potential solutions.

Ahsan Iqbal’s Proposal for Empowered Local Governments

Ahsan Iqbal proposed the establishment of empowered local governments in 160 districts, which would be directly provided resources from the Provincial Finance Commission. He argued that this would enable the transfer of powers to the lowest level and facilitate development in backward areas.

Importance of Local Monitoring and Implementation

The minister emphasized that results in any sector depend on effective implementation of projects and their local monitoring. He noted that all over the world, powers are being transferred to the doorstep of the people to bring service delivery closer to them, while in Pakistan, no effective action has been taken in this direction.

The Need for Administrative Reforms

Ahsan Iqbal stressed that the success of any administrative structure depends on its ability to change and reform itself according to changing circumstances. “A system that remains static falls apart,” he remarked. He advocated for a discussion on the administrative structure in the country to be held above political interests and in the light of the requirements of the country’s development.

Politicians’ Role in Administrative Reforms

Ahsan Iqbal emphasized that politicians themselves should take the matter forward, ensuring that the discussion on administrative reforms is not hindered by political interests. He clarified that unless powers are transferred to the grassroots level, sustainable solutions to public problems are not possible.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ahsan Iqbal’s clarification on his remarks regarding new provinces highlights the need for grassroots empowerment and administrative reforms to achieve national development goals. The proposal for empowered local governments or the formation of new provinces warrants further discussion and consideration.

FAQs

Q1: What is the main reason for Pakistan’s poor performance in the social sector?
A1: The main reason for Pakistan’s poor performance in the social sector is the lack of transfer of powers and resources to the grassroots level after the 18th Amendment and the centralization of powers at the provincial level.

Q2: What are the proposed solutions to address Pakistan’s development challenges?
A2: The proposed solutions include the establishment of empowered local governments in 160 districts or the formation of 12 or 15 new provinces through consensus.

Q3: Why is local monitoring and implementation important for development?
A3: Local monitoring and implementation are crucial for development as they enable the effective implementation of projects and bring service delivery closer to the people.

Q4: What is the role of politicians in administrative reforms?
A4: Politicians should take the matter forward, ensuring that the discussion on administrative reforms is held above political interests and in the light of the requirements of the country’s development.

Q5: How can sustainable solutions to public problems be achieved?
A5: Sustainable solutions to public problems can be achieved by transferring powers to the grassroots level, enabling the effective implementation of projects and bringing service delivery closer to the people. For more news and updates, visit Watan News.