Khawaja Asif criticizes the ‘failure’ to execute the local government system.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated on Saturday that the democratic governments in Pakistan have been unable to successfully execute the local government system, emphasizing that conducting local government elections is a crucial component of the 18th Amendment.

During his address at ThinkFest 2026, Khawaja Asif stated that democratic administrations had inadequately executed the local government system.

The 18th Amendment did not delegate powers to the provinces. The crucial aspect of the 18th Amendment was the conduct of local government elections, and the minister asserted that the nation’s issues would remain unresolved until authority was delegated to the grassroots level.

He stated that Ayub Khan, General Zia, and General Musharraf used local governments and strengthened the system, despite being dictators.

He stated that if politicians wish to retain their authority, they must empower local governments; otherwise, there will be conflicts among various bureaucratic entities.

The defense minister stated that local government poses no harm to anyone; instead, all institutions are safeguarded from it. He added that he does not understand why politicians perceive themselves as vulnerable to it.

No party, including the PML-N, should resist local governance, as this system fortifies democracy.