IUB hosts dialogue on Punjab Local Government Act 2025

BAHAWALPUR, Jun 15 (APP): The Department of Political Science at The Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB),

in collaboration with the Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT) and the Association of Political Science Alumni, organized a comprehensive dialogue on the Punjab Local Government Act 2025 at the Vice Chancellor Secretariat.

The event brought together academics, policymakers, local government practitioners, and students to discuss the future of local governance and democratic participation in Punjab.

Prominent speakers included PILDAT Pakistan President Ahmad Bilal Mehboob, former mayor Bahawalpur Aqeel Najam Hashmi, and Additional Deputy Commissioner Bahawalpur Muhammad Tayyab. The session was moderated by Lecturer Department of Political Science Khizar Hayat. The dialogue was presided over by Dean Faculty

of Social Sciences Prof. Dr. Robina Bhatti, while Director School of State Sciences Dr. Sarfraz Batool delivered the concluding remarks. Chairman Department of Political Science Dr. Shakil Akhtar presented the vote of thanks.

During the discussion, speakers underscored the critical role of local governments in strengthening participatory democracy, improving public service delivery, and ensuring inclusive representation at the grassroots level. They emphasized that empowered local institutions were essential for responsive governance and sustainable community development.

The participants also highlighted the need for greater constitutional, administrative, and financial autonomy for local governments.

They advocated for direct elections at the grassroots level and called for enhanced representation of

women, youth, and marginalized communities in local government structures to ensure broader public participation in decision-making processes.

The event attracted a large number of students, faculty members, and alumni of the Association of Political Science, providing a vibrant platform for academic engagement and policy discourse.

The dialogue enabled participants to exchange perspectives on the challenges and opportunities associated with the implementation of the Punjab Local Government Act 2025 and the future of local governance in the province.

The organizers described the event as an important step toward fostering informed debate on democratic governance and encouraging greater civic engagement among students and future policymakers.