ANALYZING THE RESPONSIVENESS OF KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNDER THE 2019 AMENDMENT ACT

Abstract

Local government democracy is the foundation that drives decentralized systems toward better development and operational excellence. Through the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Local Government (Amendment) Act 2019, provinces' local government structure received major changes aimed at increasing both effectiveness and democratic engagement among citizens and authorities. A research study evaluates the local government responsiveness changes through Act examination and elected councilor perception analysis. The analysis of local governance changes investigates how amendments affect citizen involvement, service provision, and governance system strength or erode autonomy and representation. The study includes 42 participants, such as Mayors, union council officials, women and youth representatives, peasants and workers representatives, and non-Muslim groups. Survey participants in seven Khyber Pakhtunkhwa districts received standardized interview questions through assessment sessions. Research recommendations, along with prospective research implications, were included in the investigation.

Keywords: Local Government, Decentralization, Devolution; Local Government 2019 (Amendment) Act; Mayors; UC Nazims; Women Representatives; Youth; Peasants; Non-Muslim.