LAHORE: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has decided to challenge the Punjab Local Government Bill 2025 in the Lahore High Court, claiming that several of its provisions violate the Constitution.
PTI leader Ejaz Shafi said on Sunday that the party would file a constitutional petition in the court on Monday. The representation, jointly submitted by Sheikh Imtiaz Mahmood, Ejaz Shafi, Muneer Ahmad, and Mian Shabbir Ismail, has also been sent to the President, Prime Minister, Governor Punjab, Chief Minister Punjab, and other top officials.
Shafi said that detailed objections, prepared with legal experts, had already been conveyed to the provincial government. He argued that several clauses of the bill contradict Articles 17, 32, and 140-A of the Constitution, which guarantee political participation and devolution of power.
He criticised the proposed non-party, one-vote multi-member union council model, saying it “weakens political parties and undermines the autonomy of local bodies.” The objections also describe the replacement of elected representatives with administrative officers and the centralisation of financial powers as unconstitutional and contrary to the principle of devolution.
The PTI also objected to the provision allowing the indefinite appointment of administrators, calling it a violation of democratic norms. Party leaders demanded the restoration of direct elections for union council chairmen, a constitutionally fixed five-year term for local governments, and a clear election schedule.
They further called for strict limits on executive interference and the powers of administrators. Shafi said the party would seek an immediate stay order from the Lahore High Court to suspend the disputed clauses and protect what he described as “local democracy under threat.”
