All hurdles to local government elections in Punjab have been cleared after Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan signed the Punjab Local Government Act 2025. The move officially paves the way for long-awaited polls across the province. With the new legislation now in effect, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) will soon begin fresh delimitation and constituency demarcation under the updated legal framework, ensuring transparency and administrative readiness for December elections.
The Punjab Assembly Secretariat had earlier forwarded the approved bill to the Governor, who signed it into law on Monday. Following his approval, a gazette notification will be issued and sent to the Election Commission. This step will enable the ECP to initiate the process of drawing new electoral boundaries and finalizing voter lists. Officials stated that the completion of this phase will allow the Commission to announce the detailed election schedule soon, marking the province’s return to local governance after a significant gap.
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Moreover, the enactment of the Punjab Local Government Act 2025 provides legal clarity and structural guidance for the upcoming local polls. The government believes that the new law will strengthen local democracy by ensuring fair representation and greater public participation in decision-making. The ECP has already confirmed its plan to conduct local government elections in December, aligning with the government’s commitment to empowering local institutions and addressing civic challenges more efficiently.
Alongside the electoral reforms, the Punjab government has also announced the establishment of the Punjab Local Government Academy. This institution aims to train newly elected representatives and strengthen the capacity of local bodies. The main campus of the academy will be located in Lala Musa, while additional satellite campuses will be set up across the province with the approval of the Minister for Local Government.
A Board of Management will oversee the academy’s operations. The Minister for Local Government will serve as Chairman, while the department’s Secretary will act as Vice Chairman. Other members will include the Director General of the Local Government and Community Development Department, two subject experts, and one retired officer nominated by the Minister. The Director of the academy will act as the Principal Accounting Officer, responsible for managing the Punjab Local Government Academy Fund, which will receive donations, grants, and financial assistance to support its initiatives.
Furthermore, the rules and regulations governing the academy will be implemented with the Board’s approval to ensure effective governance and accountability. Members of the Board may also receive honorariums subject to the Chief Minister’s consent. Officials said the establishment of this academy represents a forward-looking step to enhance local administrative efficiency and prepare capable representatives for effective governance at the grassroots level.