Pakistan, Jan. 25 -- Federal Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Saturday said that strengthening local government was a proven and essential formula for sustaining democracy in Pakistan, stressing that political power must be rooted at the grassroots to gain constitutional and public legitimacy.

Speaking at a public forum in Thinkfest 2026 at Alhamra Hall here, he said that politicians could only underwrite their authority legally and constitutionally by seeking endorsement directly from people. "If politicians want their power to be legitimate, they must reach out to country's 250 million people," he said.

The defence minister said that local government posed no threat to any institution and instead ensured stability. "All i...