February 19, 2026

To,

The Honorable

Maryam Nawaz Sharif

Chief Minister Punjab

OPENLETTER

Subject: Request for Review of Punjab Local Government Act 2025

Respected Madam,

We, the undersigned, respectfully draw your attention to serious concerns regarding the Punjab Local Government Act 2025. The Act contradicts Article 140-A of the Constitution of Pakistan, which guarantees administrative, political, and financial autonomy to elected local governments. Instead, it makes local bodies accountable to the provincial government and bureaucracy rather than to citizens.

The Act introduces non-party based elections, which weaken political accountability, transparency, and policy clarity. Without party affiliation, citizens are unable to assess candidates’ ideological and developmental commitments. Furthermore, newly created bodies such as the District Municipal Coordination Forum and Joint Authorities place bureaucrats in dominant roles, significantly curtailing the authority of elected representatives and undermining genuine local self-governance.

One of the most alarming provisions is the indirect “selection system” for reserved seats. Instead of direct elections, eight general councilors are authorized to select representatives for minorities, women, laborers/peasants, and youth. This disenfranchises marginalized communities, encourages political manipulation and favoritism, and deepens their exclusion. Religious minorities, already suffering from ineffective proportional representation in provincial and national assemblies, face further political invisibility at the grassroots level.

We respectfully urge your esteemed office to reconsider these provisions and ensure: direct elections on all reserved seats; restoration of party-based elections; strengthening of elected local bodies’ authority over bureaucratic control; and protection of political participation right of minorities and marginalized groups.

We trust that your government will uphold a truly representative and democratic local government system,ensuring it is effectively implemented to foster social harmony, inclusion, and sustainable development throughout Punjab.

With highest regards,

Samson Salamat, Chairman, Rwadari Tehreek Pakistan

Kathrine Sapna Karamat, Executive Director, Christians’ True Spirit

Sajid Christopher, President, Human Friends Organization