LAHORE (Dunya News) – Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has decided to challenge the Punjab Local Government Bill 2025 in the Lahore High Court.
According to PTI leader Ejaz Shafi, the party will file a constitutional petition in the High Court on Monday. The representation, submitted by Sheikh Imtiaz Mahmood, Ejaz Shafi, Muneer Ahmad, and Mian Shabbir Ismail, has been forwarded to the President, Prime Minister, Governor Punjab, Chief Minister Punjab, and other top officials.
Shafi stated that detailed objections, prepared with the help of legal experts, have already been sent to the government. He said several clauses of the bill contradict Articles 17, 32, and 140-A of the Constitution of Pakistan.
He expressed strong reservations over the non-party, one-vote multi-member union council model, arguing it weakens political parties’ role and undermines the autonomy of local bodies.
The objections further stated that replacing elected local representatives with administrative officers goes against the principle of power devolution, while centralizing financial powers would erode local government autonomy. The provision allowing indefinite appointment of administrators was also termed unconstitutional.
PTI leaders have demanded the restoration of direct elections for union council chairmen, a constitutionally fixed five-year term for local bodies, and a clear election schedule. They also called for strict limits on executive interference and administrators’ powers.
Shafi added that on Monday, PTI will submit a petition and stay order request in the Lahore High Court to suspend the controversial provisions and safeguard local democracy.