PPP slams Punjab's new LG framework

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Rawalpindi has strongly rejected the Punjab Government's proposed Local Government Act and controversial delimitation of Union Councils, describing them as a direct assault on democratic values, public representation, and constitutional principles. The party stated that the entire framework has been designed not to empower citizens but to promote political manipulation, horse-trading, and the weakening of elected local representatives.

An important meeting of PPP Rawalpindi, chaired by District President Mian Khurram Rasool, was attended by former Chairmen, Vice Chairmen, Nazims, Naib Nazims, Councillors, women councillors, minority representatives, and party workers. Participants unanimously observed that the proposed local government system is aimed at serving political interests rather than public welfare. They maintained that the indirect election of Union Council Chairmen is a blatant violation of the public mandate, as it undermines the power of the vote and creates opportunities for political bargaining and backroom deals.

Addressing the meeting, Mian Khurram Rasool said the Punjab Government had completely ignored geographical, social, and administrative realities while carrying out the delimitation process. He alleged that the new boundaries reflect political engineering rather than public convenience, dividing communities and creating confusion, mistrust, and administrative complications at the grassroots level. He further criticized the government for introducing legislation and delimitations without meaningful consultation with elected representatives, political parties, or other stakeholders, calling it a serious departure from democratic norms.