Experts Urge Timely Local Government Elections in Pakistan
By Muhammad Shahzad | Lahore, Pakistan LAHORE – Governance and legal experts have called on the Pakistani government to hold local government elections without further delay, stressing their importance for effective civic administration. Arshad Mahmood Mirza, Executive Director of Baidarie, stated that while the newly enacted Local Government Act 2025 requires several improvements, timely elections…
By Muhammad Shahzad | Lahore, Pakistan
LAHORE – Governance and legal experts have called on the Pakistani government to hold local government elections without further delay, stressing their importance for effective civic administration.
Arshad Mahmood Mirza, Executive Director of Baidarie, stated that while the newly enacted Local Government Act 2025 requires several improvements, timely elections remain a government priority. He emphasized that only elected representatives can fully understand their legal, technical, and financial limitations and effectively advocate for necessary reforms.
Mirza noted that elected local leaders are best positioned to represent citizens’ needs and address issues directly affecting their constituencies. He also highlighted structural gaps in the 2025 Act, warning that political parties may distance themselves from the new system due to its design, which allows candidates to contest independently and join parties only after a set timeframe, rather than contesting directly under party platforms.
The experts’ call reflects growing concern over delays in local governance and the need to strengthen democratic participation at the grassroots level.
