Formation and promotion of Local Council Associations (LCAs) is one of the important programs of DTCE’s community empowerment model. LCAs have been formed in Sindh and Baluchistan through DTCE’s technical support whereas they were already established in Punjab and NWFP. The formation of LCAs has brought into existence under Societies’ Act of 1860 as corporate bodies that will continue to function as interim bodies till the next elections of local governments. They serve as an instrument for strengthening local democracy, sharing good practices and knowledge, reaching consensus, representing members’ needs and strategizing on common issues in a systematic manner.

The importance of LCAs has been increased manifold in the current situation where the local government system is in transition and these bodies have been actively lobbying and advocating for establishment of local democracy in the country. All major civil society organizations in Pakistan have been working in close collaboration with LCAs and spearheading a movement for saving local democracy. However, besides capacitating LCAs, there is an urgent need for expansion of their membership, particularly of civil society representation including women forums and caucuses.