The Punjab government has officially implemented the Local Government Act 2025, introducing a new three tier administrative structure across the province while abolishing the long-standing District Council system, effective October 13.
Under the new setup, Municipal Corporations, Tehsil Councils, and Municipal (Town) Committees will replace the previous district-based model. Each Union Council will now represent a population between 22,000 and 27,000, consisting of 13 members nine directly elected councillors and four reserved seats for women, youth, labour, and minorities. The Union Council will elect its Chairperson and Vice Chairperson through internal voting.
In a related move, the Punjab Assembly has urged the federal government to amend Article 140-A of the Constitution to grant constitutional protection to local governments. The article currently requires provinces to establish local government systems and devolve administrative and financial powers but remains vague on procedural details.
The provincial proposal also recommends inserting a new constitutional chapter titled “Local Governments” to clearly define the tenure, powers, and responsibilities of local bodies. It further calls for local government elections to be held within 90 days of the previous term’s completion and for newly elected representatives to hold their first session within 21 days.
According to the Act, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) will be responsible for conducting all local government elections, ensuring transparency and continuity in the democratic process.
