Effectiveness of Local Government Systems, Pro-Poor Budgeting, and Policies for Marginalized Communities

Abstract

Empowerment under the local self-government system is a long-awaited desire of the citizens of Pakistan. As Pakistan is a land of diverse cultures and traditions, a single formula for all the decentralizing units would never serve the purpose of empowerment of marginalized communities and national development. Thus, the local government system is the only way to strengthen Pakistan's democratization and the issues at grass root level. This research paper is an analysis of the Department of Political Science and International Relations of Government College University Faisalabad that illustrates the effectiveness of local government systems, pro-poor budgeting, and policies for marginalized communities, supported by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan. The study was outlined in the light of international agreements, considering the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to gender equality, social inclusion, and reducing inequalities at large. The mixed-method methodology explicitly helped the research team to collect data through primary as well as secondary sources. The research team concludes that the findings would arrest the attention of different social actors such as policymakers, the law enforcement agencies/authorities, and rights holders to identify and play their respective roles for the development of Pakistan.