Government statement contrasts with wording of Punjab Local Government Act 2025

Punjab Govt Tells LHC LG Polls Will Be Party-Based

LAHORE: The Punjab government on Monday informed the Lahore High Court (LHC) that local government (LG) elections in the province will be held on a party basis, despite provisions in the Punjab Local Government Act 2025 (PLGA) suggesting otherwise.

The assurance was given during a hearing on petitions challenging the PLGA, filed by PTI-backed lawmaker Sheikh Imtiaz and others.

Government’s Position on Mode of Elections

An assistant advocate general (AAG), representing the provincial government, told the court that political parties would be allowed to contest LG elections on their respective tickets.

A report submitted on behalf of the local government secretary stated that any political party wishing to contest local polls may permit its candidates to run for office on party tickets.

The government maintained that Section 55 of the PLGA does not disadvantage any political party and is consistent with democratic practices.

Law’s Text vs Government’s Interpretation

Contrary to the government’s statement, the PLGA enacted in October 2025 states that LG elections are to be held on a non-party basis.

However, the government argued that when Sections 55 and 68 are read together, the law allows party participation, including provisions related to party affiliation and defection.

The reply clarified that candidates who contest as independents may join political parties after elections, while those contesting on party tickets are governed by defection clauses.

Petitioners’ Concerns Partly Addressed

During the hearing, Justice Sultan Tanvir Ahmad questioned whether the petitioners’ objections still stood in light of the government’s clarification.

Counsel for the petitioners acknowledged that one key concern stood resolved if elections were indeed to be held on a party basis, and requested that the government’s reply be formally placed on record.

ECP Reaffirms Readiness for Elections

Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) Director General (Law) Khurram Shahzad told the court that the commission remained a constitutional body ready to fulfil its responsibilities.

He revealed that the ECP had sent nearly 80 letters to the Punjab government over the past four years urging it to hold local government elections.

The ECP official added that the provincial government had given January 10 as the deadline for election preparations.

Court Raises Constitutional Concerns

Justice Ahmad expressed concern over the absence of a formal reply from the Punjab Advocate General’s Office, directing it to submit its response by Tuesday.

The judge observed that certain provisions of the impugned law appeared inconsistent with the Constitution, stressing the need for a prompt resolution of the matter.