Parliament Passes New Local Governance Bill to Strengthen Municipal Authorities

The National Assembly of Pakistan today passed a new Local Governance Bill aimed at enhancing the powers, autonomy, and accountability of municipal authorities across the country. The legislation empowers local governments to oversee urban planning, waste management, public health, and budget allocation more effectively, with the goal of improving civic services and community participation. Lawmakers emphasized that the bill is a step towards decentralization of governance, reducing bureaucratic delays, and promoting transparency at the local level. Political analysts noted that this reform could reshape municipal administration, enhance citizen engagement, and address long-standing urban infrastructure challenges, particularly in rapidly growing cities facing population pressure. The bill now moves to the Senate for final approval before implementation.