Devolution Plan in District Bahawalnagar Punjab Pakistan: Continuity or Change 2001- 2008

Abstract

General Pervez Musharraf introduced the 'Devolution of Power Plan (2001)' through the NRB, which was a big switch in the history of Pakistan. This three-tier system shifted the powers from top to bottom. Like other districts, Bahawalnagar was also part of these reforms. Powers were decentralized at the grassroots level in the country. Through this research, it has been examined whether this power plan brought change in the Bahawalnagar district or it was a continuity of dynastic politics, like feudalism or elite capture. This qualitative research used semi-structured interviews of the former stakeholders' elected representatives, Nazim, Naib Nazim, councilors, and civil society and analyzed the district electoral statistics, district council budget reports, and other data between 2001 and 2008. This research examines the contradiction between the legal transfer of power to local governments and the elite capture of the system by old political dynasties. Research shows decentralization at the district level under this plan; deputy commissioner power was reduced and subordinated to the district Nazim. In spite of biradarism, elected representation increased at the Union Council level; this brought a real change. At the Union Council, biradarism is a factor and dynastic politics and elite capture are primary factors at the district and tehsil levels. The aim of the power plan was to empower the grassroots levels and legitimize military rule. This study concludes that in spite of continuity at the top and middle tier, the system delivered well in the Bahawalnagar district; it strengthened local representation and local democracy and opened a new window for old politicians to operate under new rules.