Consultation urges implementation of Article 140-A, timely LG polls

LAHORE, Jul 24 (APP):Members of the Punjab Assembly (MPAs), governance experts and civil society representatives urged the government to announce the schedule for local government elections at the earliest and ensure greater political, administrative and financial autonomy for elected local governments in line with Article 140-A of the Constitution.

The demand was made at a consultative meeting organized by HomeNet Pakistan in collaboration with Awaz Foundation to brief MPAs on the status of local government reforms, existing legal and policy gaps, and their role in promoting constitutional local governance in Punjab, here on Friday.

Speaking on the occasion, MPA Fizzah Maimona said empowered local governments were indispensable for strengthening democratic governance and called upon the provincial government to implement constitutional provisions and hold local government elections without delay.

MPA Rukhsana Kausar emphasized the need for inclusive representation of women, youth, persons with disabilities, workers, farmers, minorities and transgender persons in local governments. She also stressed that elected councillors should be vested with greater authority, noting that they were often the first public representatives approached by citizens for resolving local issues.

MPA Somia said financially and administratively empowered local governments were better positioned to address public needs, adding that improved coordination between provincial and local institutions would enhance transparency, accountability and service delivery.

MPA Amra Khan said local governments served as an important platform for women’s political participation and leadership, adding that stronger local institutions would promote inclusive governance and broader public participation in democratic processes.

The participating women legislators appreciated the leadership of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and observed that a robust local government system would complement the provincial government’s development agenda. They also agreed to meet the chief minister to present recommendations formulated during the consultation and seek support for local government reforms.

HomeNet Pakistan Executive Director Ume Laila Azhar said the organization had been engaging policymakers, elected representatives and civil society over the past two years to build consensus on local government reforms. She said implementation of Article 140-A and timely local government elections were essential to strengthening democratic governance and improving citizens’ access to public services.

Governance expert Irfan Mufti called for implementing constitutional provisions relating to local governments in both letter and spirit. He stressed the importance of transparency, accountability, evidence-based policymaking and continued public consultation in developing an effective and inclusive local government system.