Comparative Analysis of Municipal Powers in Karachi

This study aims to draw a comparative analysis of the powers of local governments in Karachi. The subject of local government structure and its authority has become more important in the current local scenario. The findings of the study reveal that in past successive civilian governments in Pakistan did not pay attention to developing a solid local government system and instead preferred controlling districts and tehsils through the bureaucracy, with the absence of democracy and accountability at the local level. Instead of using this third tier of the government for the delivery of swift and better municipal services, they always made an effort to keep them weakened through legislation at different levels. The situation has now got worst in the biggest city and economic hub of Pakistan where people are deprived of basic facilities due to a handicapped system. The Mayor of the biggest city of Pakistan felt powerless as the provincial government through the Sindh Local Government Act 2013 deprived the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation of its main functions. The local bodies will have to be given the authority and essential powers. Only then these institutions can be made capable of providing basic services to the people.

Impediments to Social Integration of Women Returning to Shelter Home: A Case Study of Punjab Province, Pakistan

Pakistani society is patriarchal and most women in Pakistan experience various and multiple types of violence throughout their lives. Leaving an abusive relationship is a difficult decision for women and sometimes multiple attempts are made to leave the household. This study uses a qualitative approach and semi-structured interviews to study the experiences of 57 women who had returned to shelter homes in eight districts of the Punjab province, Pakistan after attempting re-integration into their communities. Focus group discussions (FGDs) with 34 service providers of shelter homes were conducted in five major districts of Punjab. The findings that emerged from the interviews and FGDs indicated that women faced abuse which was associated with individual, relationship and societal level factors. When women tried to re-integrate back into the communities they faced life threats, psychological abuse and legal consequences due to the stigma and honour issues associated with fleeing abuse to take refuge in shelter homes. The women in the study proposed various recommendations including the need for domestic violence legislation criminamlizing abuse. Recommendations of the study include developing campaigns to increase awareness of violence against women and women’s right as well as the need for education, skill training and income stability for women and counseling and follow up services at shelter homes for women shelter users.