PTI to Challenge Punjab Local Government Bill 2025 in High Court

By Our Staff Reporter Farzana Chaudhry
Lahore — The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced its decision to challenge the Punjab Local Government Bill 2025 in the Lahore High Court, citing serious constitutional and democratic concerns.

PTI MPA Ijaz Shafi confirmed that the party will file a petition in the High Court tomorrow, questioning several key provisions of the new bill. The petition argues that the non-partisan, one-vote, multi-member Union Council model undermines the role of political parties and weakens representative democracy at the grassroots level.

According to the text of the petition, PTI has expressed strong reservations over the bill’s provision granting administrative control to government officers rather than elected local representatives, saying it will erode local authority and autonomy. The petition further claims that the transfer of financial powers to centralized bodies violates the constitutional principles of devolution.

Ijaz Shafi stated that the power to appoint administrators for an indefinite period is unconstitutional and that the direct election of Union Council Chairmen should be reinstated. He added that several provisions of the Act are in direct conflict with Articles 17, 32, and 140A of the Constitution of Pakistan, which guarantee political association, local representation, and devolution of power.

The petition also calls for a clear five-year term and election schedule for local governments to ensure continuity and transparency in governance.

Ijaz Shafi said that legal experts have submitted detailed objections to the government, urging it to impose strict limits on executive interference and the discretionary powers of administrators. The PTI leader demanded that the implementation of the disputed clauses be halted to safeguard local democracy and the spirit of constitutional governance.