Pokhara is governed as a Metropolitan City, the highest tier of local government in Nepal. It is divided into 33 administrative wards, each represented by an elected Ward Chairperson and committee members. The local government is headed by a Mayor and Deputy Mayor, elected to five-year terms through direct popular vote.
As the capital of Gandaki Province, Pokhara also serves as the administrative and political hub of the region. It houses the Office of the Chief Minister, the Provincial Assembly (Pradesh Sabha), and various provincial ministries.
The city administration manages local public services, urban planning, sanitation, and municipal infrastructure. However, due to rapid urbanization, the local government faces ongoing challenges in traffic management, waste disposal, and environmental conservation, particularly regarding the preservation of Phewa Lake.
