Punjab's new LG system in limbo

Existing district councils continue to function under the old framework

RAWALPINDI:

Despite the approval of Punjab's new local government system nearly five months ago, the provincial authorities have yet to appoint the heads or administrative officers of the restructured local bodies, leaving the previous system in place and creating continued uncertainty over the transition.

According to officials in the Local Government and Community Development Department, the existing local government framework will continue to function until fresh local government elections are held, despite the formal approval of the new legislation. As a result, district councils and other existing institutions continue to operate under the previous administrative structure.

The delay has created an unusual administrative situation, with institutions that are due to be abolished under the new law continuing to perform their routine functions. District councils, which are set to cease to exist once the new system is implemented, have now been directed to prepare budgets for the 2026–27 financial year.

Officials confirmed that District Council Rawalpindi has already begun preparing its annual budget and formulating new development schemes for the upcoming fiscal year. In contrast, no instructions have yet been issued to the proposed Tehsil Councils regarding budget preparation, although these bodies are expected to replace district councils under the new local government framework.

Sources said the transfer and distribution of district council assets, properties and resources among the future tehsil councils has also failed to make any meaningful progress. Preliminary lists identifying assets for redistribution have yet to be finalised, delaying the implementation process even further.

Officials believe that little progress is likely to be made over the next three months. Administrative staff are currently engaged in security duties relating to Muharram, while the onset of the monsoon season will require extensive deployment of field officers to monitor flood-prone and low-lying areas. These responsibilities are expected to take precedence over institutional restructuring.

According to sources within the Local Government and Community Development Department, the new local government system cannot become fully operational until local body elections are conducted and newly elected representatives assume office. Until then, existing district councils, tehsil administrations and other local government institutions will continue to function under the current arrangements.