Local Government Elections a Constitutional Requirement, Provincial Government Bound to Transfer 30% Budget: Mir Kabir Muhammad Shahi

**Quetta (Qudrat Daily):** Mir Kabir Ahmed Muhammad Shahi, Central Secretary General of the National Party, along with senior party leaders including Central Vice President Dr. Ishaq Baloch, Provincial President Aslam Baloch, MPA Khair Jan Baloch, and other key members, appeared in the Balochistan High Court regarding the party’s constitutional petition for the conduct of local government elections.

Speaking to journalists, Mir Kabir Muhammad Shahi said that local governments are a constitutional necessity. He explained that the Constitution provides for three tiers of governance: federal, provincial, and local. Without devolving powers to the local level, the constitutional amendment remains incomplete. He emphasized that the provincial government is legally bound to transfer 30% of its budget to local governments.

He further stated that the primary role of the provincial assembly is legislation, but regrettably, since the 18th Constitutional Amendment, very little legislation has been enacted in the Balochistan Assembly. Mir Kabir Muhammad Shahi added that city management and urban governance are typically handled by metropolitan authorities worldwide.

Addressing misconceptions, he clarified that claims about the tenure of local governments being reduced are inaccurate, as no such clause exists in the law. He expressed hope that the court would consider the current ground realities and ensure a merit-based decision.