London, New York, Shanghai Cannot Function a Day Without Mayors; Pakistan Needs Strong Local Governance: Mustafa Kamal

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Health Mustafa Kamal has said that major global cities like London, New York, and Shanghai cannot operate for even a single day without an empowered mayor, yet Pakistan still lacks an effective and functional local government system. He emphasized that the country must build strong local governance structures on solid foundations.

Speaking to journalists during a visit to the under-construction Trauma Centre at PIMS Hospital, the minister said that the new facility—costing Rs 6 billion—will soon be completed. He noted that PIMS receives an overwhelming number of patients not only from Islamabad and Rawalpindi but also from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Kashmir.

Kamal said that along with constructing modern hospitals, it is equally important to shift focus toward preventive healthcare. Strengthening basic health units, he stressed, is only possible through an improved and empowered local government system.

He added that the existing PIMS emergency and trauma unit has 35 beds, whereas the new Trauma Centre will have 177 beds. The minister inspected various sections of the facility and reviewed the pace of work, expressing hope that it will be made operational soon.

The health minister further said that although resources are limited, disease burden continues to rise, making it essential to adopt strategies that not only provide better facilities but also prevent illnesses.

Speaking on governance reforms, Kamal said that after the 18th Amendment, health and education were devolved to the provinces, where they should remain. He also confirmed that discussions are underway regarding transferring the Population Ministry and a national curriculum framework back to the federal government.

Kamal reiterated that it is the responsibility of councillors and elected representatives to ensure clean streets, water supply, and functional local health systems. Only a strong local government structure, he said, can safeguard communities from diseases.

Criticising current administrative weaknesses, he noted that Pakistanis queue up for visas to go abroad, whereas nations like those running London and New York achieved robust governance structures centuries ago. “London, New York, Shanghai cannot function a single day without a mayor. Here, we don’t even have such an active and effective system. This is what needs to be discussed,” he said.