Weak governance structure causing low economic development: Ishrat.

ISLAMABAD -- Adviser to Prime Minister on Institutional Reforms and Austerity Dr. Ishrat Hussain stressed that the weak governance structure is the main reason behind low economic and urban development in Pakistan.

He said that accountability, right to information, transparency is demanded by urban electorates. The model prevalent between 2002 and 2008 devolved the services being provided to the local bodies.

The decision making at that time was more decentralied and closer to the demands of the people in that area, he made these remarks during 'cities vision conference', which was organised with Prime Institute in partnership with UN-Habitat and UNDP. He shed light on the political dynamics of urbanisation.

The metropolitan cities such as Lahore, Islamabad and Karachi can raise their own resources/funds. He was of the view that the affairs of the state cannot be run through centralisation means decentralisation is the key to Pakistan's prosperity.

Prime Institute, Joint Executive Director Mr. Zia Banday, said that Prime remains of the opinion that a broader city coalition led by the municipality can optimise local economic development. He added that it is well understood that LED is a nascent idea in the local environment of Pakistan, hence awareness creation remains high on the agenda.

Prime has embarked on its journey of engagement with urban economies around 2 years back. It commenced with the ranking of 5 major cities on Metropolitan Competitiveness Index (MCI). In the following year, MCI coverage was expanded to cover 5-more cities. Prime also undertook an exercise of developing City Economic Vision of Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar and Quetta.

Adviser to Prime Minister on Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam, emphasised the need for a clean and green Pakistan. He said that urban forestry model should be a priority in cities' development agenda.

The focus should not be solely on the local economic development but also on ecological sustainability. He reassured that soon they are going to launch Clean Green Index to improve urban infrastructure...