Delimitation for LG polls to begin in Jan

The delimitation of constituencies across Punjab, including the Rawalpindi Division, for local government elections is scheduled to begin in January 2025.

Originally planned for December of the upcoming year, the delimitation process was postponed following the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government's decision to reinstate the Local Government Act of 2013. This move effectively abolishes the Local Government Act of 2022 introduced by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government.

According to sources, the revised framework stipulates that each union council (UC) will represent a population of 25,000. This adjustment will significantly increase the number of UCs under the Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation. With 24 additional village UCs incorporated into its urban jurisdiction, the total number of UCs will rise to 100.

Key administrative changes will accompany the delimitation process. Tehsil Gujar Khan will become the largest municipal committee in Rawalpindi district, while Murree will retain its status as a municipal corporation within the newly designated tourist district. Additionally, Daultala, historically the largest settlement in Gujar Khan, will be elevated to tehsil status.

The delimitation process is expected to end by March 31, 2025.