Call for holding local government elections

The failure to hold local government elections in Punjab is a matter of concern. These views were expressed by the representative of the Shah Hussain Regional Network, Youth Commission for Human Rights, during a special meeting on the conduct of local government elections. According to a press release, participants of the meeting included Rukhsana Liaqat, Saba Chaudhry, Nabeela Akbar, Shehr Bano, Sabira Ismat, and Isra Kashif.

Program Manager of the Youth Commission for Human Rights, Wajahat Batool, and other participants stated that while local governments are functioning in the other three provinces of Pakistan, unfortunately, in Punjab, local government institutions are being run through government machinery instead of elected leadership.

They emphasized that the establishment of elected local governments is a constitutional obligation under Articles 7, 32, and 140A of the Constitution of Pakistan. However, Punjab has been deprived of this constitutional right for several years. They criticized the Punjab government's attempts to establish local governance through district coordination committees as a substitute for elected local governments, terming these efforts unacceptable.

The meeting demanded that the Punjab government introduce appropriate amendments to the local government law. These amendments should include the expansion of powers and responsibilities, an increase in the representation ratio according to population, and the assurance of financial autonomy. They also called for the legal formalization of direct public participation.

They further stated that identifying local needs and providing services at the basic level are tasks that can yield better results through active local participation. However, this participation must be protected through legal frameworks.

The participants demanded the immediate conduct of local government elections in accordance with the law. They also emphasized that before making amendments or legislating on local governments, suggestions should be sought from organizations working on local governance and public interest civil society groups.