Balochistan gained provincial status in 1970. Like other departments, the Department of Local Government was created in 1970-71. By that time there were only the district councils in each district, a municipal committee in Quetta and a few town committees. The present system of local government was introduced in 1979, and for the first time in the history of the country, elections for all rural and urban councils were held on the basis of adult franchise.

The origins of the local government system can be traced back to the basic democratic system introduced by President Ayub Khan. The Balochistan Local Government Ordinance (BLGO) of 1980, extends to all local councils in the province and covers all matters essential for local government. The BLGO partakes most of the features of the repealed enactment known as the basic democracy order of 1959 and the Municipal Administration Ordinance 1960.