JI files petition for LG polls in Punjab

Demands polls within 90 days, terms delay unconstitutional

LAHORE:

Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan has filed a petition in the Lahore High Court (LHC), seeking directions for the immediate conduct of local government elections in Punjab within 90 days.

The petition, submitted by Zia Ud Din Ansari, Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami Lahore region, names the Federation of Pakistan, the government of Punjab, the Election Commission of Pakistan, the Provincial Election Commission of Punjab, the Ministry of Local Government, and the Chief Secretary Punjab as respondents. Ansari contended that the delay in holding local body polls is unconstitutional and violates fundamental rights under Article 140-A of the Constitution.

He urged the court to declare this failure unlawful and direct the respondents to take immediate steps to schedule and conduct free, fair, and timely elections, in line with constitutional provisions and the devolution mandate under the Punjab Local Government Act.

The petitioner further sought penalties against the responsible authorities for neglecting their constitutional duty.

He argued that the non-conduct of local body elections undermines the spirit of the 18th Amendment, which decentralised governance by granting provinces the authority to organize local governments.

The petition emphasised that delaying these elections weakens democracy, deprives citizens of their right to grassroots representation, and hinders effective governance.

It asserted that the Punjab government's inaction violates principles of transparency, accountability, and participatory democracy guaranteed by the Constitution.

Jamaat-e-Islami, known for its advocacy of democratic and constitutional rights, maintained that the prolonged delay in local government elections has created a "democratic deficit," negatively impacting governance, local development, and public accountability in Punjab.