The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday issued notices to the Punjab government, the Secretary of Local Government, and other respondents on a petition challenging multiple sections of the Punjab Local Government Act 2025.
Justice Sultan Tanveer heard the petition filed by Punjab Assembly Opposition Leader Moin Raza Qureshi and others, through Barrister Abu Zar Salman Khan Niazi.
The petitioner argued that the Act grants “extraordinary powers” to the bureaucracy, which he said is a clear violation of Article 140-A of the Constitution that mandates the devolution of political, administrative, and financial authority to elected representatives.
He submitted that, contrary to constitutional requirements, the new Act places elected representatives under the control of government officials, undermining the essence of local democracy.
The counsel further contended that holding local government elections on a non-party basis breaches Article 17 of the Constitution, which guarantees citizens the right to form associations and join political parties. He added that barring candidates from disclosing their political affiliation prior to elections is also unconstitutional.
The petition sought the annulment of Sections 25, 32, 35, 40 and 55 of the Punjab Local Government Act 2025, arguing that they contradict the constitutional framework for local governance and weaken public representation.
After hearing initial arguments, the LHC issued notices to the respondents and sought their replies for the next hearing.
