The Punjab government has informed the Lahore High Court (LHC) that upcoming local government (LG) elections in Punjab will be conducted on a party basis, addressing a key concern raised in petitions challenging the new local government law.
The statement came during a court hearing on petitions filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-backed lawmaker Sheikh Imtiaz and others, who have contested the legality of the Punjab Local Government Act 2025 (PLGA 2025).
Govt’s Stand: Political Parties Can Issue Tickets
An assistant advocate general (AAG), representing the Punjab government, submitted a report from the local government secretary stating that political parties are free to allow candidates to contest LG elections on party tickets.
According to the report, Section 55 of the PLGA 2025 does not restrict political parties or place them at a disadvantage, effectively allowing party-based participation despite language in the law that appears to suggest otherwise.
This clarification drew attention because the law enacted in October 2025 explicitly mentions non-party-based elections, creating confusion and legal uncertainty.
LHC Observations and Petitioners’ Response
Justice Sultan Tanvir Ahmad, who presided over the hearing, questioned whether the petitioners’ main grievance had been resolved now that the government itself was acknowledging party-based elections.
In response, the petitioners’ counsel said that one of their primary concerns stood addressed, and requested that the government’s written reply be formally included in the court record.
However, the court also raised serious constitutional questions. Justice Ahmad observed that certain provisions of the PLGA 2025 appear to conflict with the Constitution and emphasized the need for a prompt judicial decision due to the prolonged delay in LG elections.
Election Commission: “Ready to Fulfil Constitutional Duty”
The court also heard arguments from the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). The ECP’s Director General (Law), Khurram Shahzad, told the court that the commission was fully prepared to conduct local government elections under any law enacted by the Punjab government.
He revealed that the ECP had sent nearly 80 reminders to the provincial government over the past four years, urging it to complete the legal and administrative framework necessary for holding LG polls.
The ECP added that January 10, 2026, had been indicated by the Punjab government as the deadline for completing election prerequisites, including delimitation rules.
Why LG Elections in Punjab Are Delayed
Local government elections in Punjab have faced repeated delays since 2019, when the then PTI-led provincial government dissolved LG institutions. Although these bodies were later restored by the Supreme Court, they completed their term on December 31, 2021.
Under Article 140-A of the Constitution and Section 219(4) of the Elections Act, elections are required within 120 days of the expiry of local government terms. This meant Punjab’s LG elections should have been held by April 2022.
However, frequent amendments to local government laws and administrative changes stalled the process.
ECP Timeline and Legal Complications
In October 2025, the ECP initially ordered LG elections to be held in December and directed Punjab to begin delimitation. This plan was later withdrawn following the enactment of the PLGA 2025 and a formal request by the provincial government.
The ECP has now stated that local government elections cannot be held before the second quarter of 2026, as essential legal and administrative requirements will only be completed by mid-January 2026.
PTI’s Constitutional Challenge
PTI has announced it will continue to challenge the PLGA 2025 in court, arguing that the law violates Article 140 of the Constitution, which mandates meaningful devolution of political, administrative, and financial powers to elected local governments.
Article 140 clearly states that provinces must establish empowered local government systems — a requirement PTI claims the new law fails to meet.
What Happens Next?
The Lahore High Court has directed the Punjab advocate general to submit a formal written reply to the petitions. The case is expected to play a decisive role in determining:
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Whether LG elections will be officially party-based
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The constitutional validity of the PLGA 2025
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The final timeline for long-delayed local government polls in Punjab
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